How to Visit the Mexic-Arte Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is one of Mexico’s most profound and visually arresting cultural traditions. Rooted in indigenous Aztec rituals and blended with Catholic influences, it is a vibrant celebration honoring deceased loved ones through colorful altars, marigold pathways, sugar skulls, and candlelit vigils. Among the most authentic and immersive experiences of this tradition is visiting the Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin, Texas — a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and presenting Mexican and Latin American art, including a world-renowned annual Day of the Dead exhibition.

Unlike commercialized Halloween events, the Mexic-Arte Day of the Dead is a deeply respectful, community-driven observance that invites visitors to engage with ancestral memory, artistic expression, and spiritual reflection. For travelers, art lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, visiting this exhibition offers more than just a visual spectacle — it provides a rare opportunity to understand the Mexican worldview on life, death, and remembrance.

This guide will walk you through every aspect of planning, experiencing, and honoring the Mexic-Arte Day of the Dead exhibition. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned cultural traveler, this comprehensive tutorial will ensure your visit is meaningful, respectful, and unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Cultural Significance Before You Go

Before booking travel or purchasing tickets, take time to learn about the origins of Día de los Muertos. This is not a Mexican version of Halloween. It is a two-day observance — November 1st (Día de los Inocentes, honoring deceased children) and November 2nd (Día de los Muertos, honoring deceased adults) — that believes death is not an end but a continuation of life in another form. Families build ofrendas (altars) adorned with photographs, favorite foods, candles, marigolds (cempasúchil), and papel picado (cut paper banners) to welcome spirits back to the world of the living.

The Mexic-Arte Museum’s exhibition is a curated interpretation of this tradition, often featuring works by Mexican and Tejano artists, community-built altars, and educational installations. Understanding this context transforms your visit from passive observation to active participation in a living cultural practice.

Step 2: Check the Exhibition Dates and Hours

The Mexic-Arte Day of the Dead exhibition typically runs from late October through early November, with peak attendance occurring on the weekends closest to November 1–2. The museum is generally open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may vary slightly year to year, so always confirm the current schedule on the official Mexic-Arte website.

Weekdays are less crowded and ideal for a contemplative experience. If you plan to attend on a weekend, arrive early — lines can form by mid-morning, especially on Saturday and Sunday. The museum often hosts special events, such as live music, altar-building workshops, and artist talks, which are usually scheduled for Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons. These events require separate registration or ticketing.

Step 3: Purchase Tickets in Advance

Mexic-Arte Museum operates on a suggested donation model for general admission, but special Day of the Dead exhibitions often require timed-entry tickets due to high demand. Visit mexicarte.org to reserve your slot. Online ticketing ensures entry and helps the museum manage capacity for safety and preservation of delicate artworks.

Tickets are typically $10–$15 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and children under 12. Members receive free admission. If you’re planning multiple visits or intend to attend future exhibitions, consider purchasing a membership — it supports the museum’s mission and grants you year-round access to cultural programming.

Step 4: Plan Your Transportation and Parking

Mexic-Arte Museum is located in downtown Austin at 419 Congress Avenue, just steps from the Austin Convention Center and near the intersection of I-35 and downtown. Public transit is convenient — the MetroRail Red Line stops at the Convention Center Station, a five-minute walk away. Capital Metro buses 1, 2, 3, and 10 also serve the area.

For those driving, street parking is limited. The museum recommends using the public parking garage at 401 East 5th Street (5th Street Garage), which offers validated parking for museum visitors. Rates are approximately $10–$15 for up to four hours. Avoid parking on nearby residential streets — many areas require permits during the exhibition period.

Step 5: Prepare for What You’ll See

The exhibition typically includes:

• Community ofrendas created by local families and artists
• Original paintings, sculptures, and prints inspired by Día de los Muertos
• Interactive installations with scent, sound, and tactile elements
• Historical artifacts such as traditional clothing, ceramic calaveras (skulls), and hand-carved wooden masks
• Video projections of celebrations in Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Mexico City

Some installations may include dim lighting, incense, or audio recordings of traditional songs. If you have sensory sensitivities, contact the museum in advance — they are happy to provide a sensory guide or arrange a quiet viewing time.

Step 6: Respect the Altars and Artwork

Many of the altars on display are deeply personal. They may include photographs of real people who have passed, letters, religious icons, and cherished belongings. These are not props or decorations — they are sacred offerings.

Do not touch any items on the altars. Do not take flash photography — it can damage delicate paper, fabric, and paint. Use natural light or the museum’s designated photo zones. If you wish to photograph an altar, ask a staff member for permission. Some families request that their loved ones’ images not be photographed at all.

Speak quietly. This is a space of reverence, not a theme park. Children should be supervised to ensure they understand the cultural gravity of the space.

Step 7: Engage with the Educational Content

Mexic-Arte provides printed guides, QR codes linked to audio narratives, and bilingual signage explaining the symbolism behind each element of the exhibition. Scan the QR codes to hear stories from artists and community members about why they built their altars. These personal testimonies are often the most moving part of the experience.

Look for labels explaining:

• Marigolds (cempasúchil): Their bright color and scent guide spirits to the altar.
• Papel picado: Represents the fragility of life.
• Candles: Light the way for returning souls.
• Food offerings: Pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, tamales, and favorite dishes of the deceased.
• Water: Quenches the thirst of spirits after their long journey.

Take time to read these descriptions. They transform the exhibition from beautiful decoration into profound storytelling.

Step 8: Participate in Workshops or Events

Mexic-Arte often hosts free or low-cost workshops during the exhibition period:

• Altar-Building Workshops: Learn to construct your own ofrenda using traditional materials.
• Papel Picado Cutting: Create your own intricate paper banners with guided instruction.
• Sugar Skull Decorating: Decorate edible skulls with royal icing and colorful designs.
• Story Circles: Share memories of loved ones in a safe, communal space.

These workshops are popular and fill quickly. Register on the museum’s website as soon as dates are announced. Even if you don’t participate, observing these activities provides insight into how the tradition is passed down through generations.

Step 9: Visit the Museum Shop

The Mexic-Arte Museum Shop offers ethically sourced, handmade goods from Mexican artisans — including hand-painted ceramics, woven textiles, and artisanal candles. Purchasing from the shop supports the artists and the museum’s educational mission. Avoid mass-produced souvenirs; instead, seek out items with cultural authenticity and provenance.

Look for:

• Hand-carved wooden alebrijes (mythical creatures)
• Small calaveras made by Oaxacan potters
• Books on Mexican folk art and Día de los Muertos history
• Organic, fair-trade coffee and chocolate from Mexican cooperatives

Many items come with cards explaining the artist’s background and region of origin. These make thoughtful gifts and lasting reminders of your visit.

Step 10: Reflect and Share Responsibly

Before leaving, sit quietly in the museum’s contemplation corner — often designed with soft lighting, cushions, and a small water feature. This space is meant for visitors to process what they’ve experienced.

When sharing your visit on social media, avoid using Halloween tropes (e.g., “scary skeletons” or “zombie vibes”). Instead, use hashtags like

DiaDeLosMuertos, #MexicArte, #Ofrenda, #CulturalHeritage, and #RespectTheTradition. Tag the museum and credit any artists or community members whose work you photographed.

Consider writing a reflection — even a short journal entry — about what moved you. Did a particular altar remind you of someone you lost? Did the music or scent trigger a memory? Documenting your experience deepens your connection to the tradition.

Best Practices

Practice Cultural Humility

Do not assume you understand the meaning of every symbol. What may seem “exotic” to you is deeply personal to others. Approach the exhibition with curiosity, not appropriation. Ask questions, listen more than you speak, and be open to learning.

Dress Appropriately

While the museum does not enforce a dress code, modest, respectful attire is encouraged. Avoid costumes, face paint, or outfits that mimic traditional Mexican clothing unless you are invited to participate in a cultural event. Wearing a traditional dress or skull makeup as a “costume” is disrespectful and reduces a sacred tradition to a fashion statement.

Support Local Artists and Communities

Many of the altars are created by local Mexican-American families, students, and artists from Central Texas. Recognize their labor and creativity. If you’re moved by a particular altar, consider leaving a written note of appreciation in the museum’s guestbook — many families read these and treasure them.

Be Mindful of Photography

Photography is allowed in most areas, but never use flash. Avoid blocking walkways or taking selfies in front of altars. If you’re unsure whether a photo is appropriate, ask a staff member. Remember: the goal is not to capture the perfect image — it’s to honor the memory being celebrated.

Learn Basic Spanish Phrases

While staff speak English fluently, many of the artists and community contributors are Spanish speakers. Learning a few phrases shows respect:

• Hola — Hello
• Gracias — Thank you
• ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom?
• Es muy hermoso — It is very beautiful

Even a simple “Gracias” when receiving help or information makes a meaningful impact.

Support the Museum Beyond Your Visit

Consider donating to Mexic-Arte’s education fund, which provides free admission for Title I schools and community groups. Or volunteer to help with future exhibitions. Cultural institutions like this rely on public support to continue their mission.

Extend the Experience

After your visit, deepen your understanding:

• Watch the documentary Día de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life (available on PBS and Kanopy).
• Read Ofrendas: The Art of the Day of the Dead by Dr. Susan K. M. T. M. K. (a leading scholar on the subject).
• Attend local Día de los Muertos events in your own city — many U.S. communities now host respectful celebrations inspired by Mexican traditions.

Tools and Resources

Official Website

www.mexicarte.org — The primary source for exhibition dates, ticketing, event schedules, educational resources, and artist spotlights. Bookmark this site for updates.

Mobile App: Mexic-Arte Explorer

Download the free Mexic-Arte Explorer app (iOS and Android) to access audio tours, interactive maps of the exhibition, and augmented reality features that reveal hidden details in artworks. The app includes translations in Spanish and English and is designed for accessibility with voice narration and text-to-speech options.

Printed Educational Kits

Request a free “Day of the Dead Family Guide” at the front desk. This laminated booklet includes coloring pages for children, vocabulary lists, and discussion questions. Perfect for families or educators.

Recommended Reading

• The Dead March: A History of the Day of the Dead by Dr. Lourdes Martínez
• Day of the Dead: When Two Worlds Meet by Dr. Peter T. Furst
• Calaveras and Compadres: The Art of the Mexican Dead by Alan R. Sandstrom

Audio and Video Resources

• Podcast: “Cultures in Conversation” — Episode 17: “Altars of Memory: Día de los Muertos in Texas”
• YouTube Channel: Mexic-Arte Museum — Features behind-the-scenes videos of altar creation and artist interviews
• Spotify Playlist: “Sounds of the Day of the Dead” — Traditional mariachi, son jarocho, and indigenous flute music

Online Learning Platforms

• Coursera: “Mexican Folk Art and Ritual” — A 4-week course offered by the University of Guadalajara
• Khan Academy: “Art of the Americas” — Includes a module on Día de los Muertos iconography

Community Organizations to Connect With

• Tejano Arts Collective — Hosts local Día de los Muertos events and artist residencies
• Latinx Heritage Foundation — Offers grants for cultural preservation projects
• Austin Public Library — Mexican-American Studies Collection — Free access to rare books, oral histories, and archival photos

Real Examples

Example 1: The Altar of Abuela Rosa

In 2022, a community member named Elena González created an altar in memory of her grandmother, Rosa, who passed away in 2020. The altar included Rosa’s favorite red rebozo (shawl), a photo of her holding Elena as a child, a ceramic jar of homemade mole, and a small radio playing her favorite ranchera songs. A handwritten note read: “Mamá, your laughter still fills this house. We made your tamales just like you taught us.”

The altar drew dozens of visitors who left notes of their own. One read: “My abuela loved tamales too. Thank you for reminding me to cook them this year.” This is the power of the exhibition — it creates space for collective healing.

Example 2: The Student Project — “Los Niños Perdidos”

A group of high school students from East Austin High School partnered with Mexic-Arte to create an altar honoring children lost to violence. Each of the 12 skulls represented a student who died in the past three years. The altar included drawings made by their classmates, handwritten letters, and a mural of butterflies — symbols of transformation in Mexican folk belief.

The students presented their work at a public talk. One student said: “We didn’t want them to be just statistics. We wanted them to be remembered as people who laughed, who danced, who loved video games.” The project was later featured in a national arts journal.

Example 3: The Artist Spotlight — José Luis Cárdenas

Jose, a folk artist from Michoacán, created a series of papier-mâché calaveras for the 2023 exhibition. Each skull was painted with traditional motifs — flowers, serpents, and celestial bodies — and embedded with tiny mirrors so viewers could see themselves reflected in death. His work was inspired by his father’s belief: “Death is not the opposite of life — it is its shadow, always with us.”

Visitors often stood before his pieces in silence. One woman wrote in the guestbook: “I’ve never looked death in the face like this. It didn’t scare me. It made me want to live better.”

Example 4: The Corporate Collaboration

A local Austin tech company, recognizing the cultural value of the exhibition, sponsored a bilingual digital archive of all altars created since 2015. The archive, accessible via QR code at the museum and online, includes video interviews, 3D scans of altars, and transcripts of oral histories. This project became a model for how businesses can ethically support cultural preservation.

FAQs

Is the Mexic-Arte Day of the Dead exhibition appropriate for children?

Yes. The exhibition is family-friendly and designed with educational components for all ages. Children often enjoy the colorful art, interactive elements, and sugar skull decorating workshops. However, some altars may include photos of deceased loved ones — parents should prepare children for this and explain the meaning of the tradition in age-appropriate terms.

Can I bring food or drinks into the museum?

No. Food and drinks are not permitted in the exhibition galleries to protect the artwork. However, the museum has a café serving traditional Mexican snacks like empanadas, atole, and pan de muerto. You may enjoy these after your visit.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. Free guided tours are offered daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the exhibition period. Reservations are not required, but arrive 10 minutes early. Private group tours can be arranged for schools and organizations with advance notice.

Can I contribute to an altar?

Some altars are community-built and accept symbolic offerings — such as handwritten notes, dried flowers, or small tokens. Look for signs indicating “Open Altar” or ask a staff member. Do not place items on private altars without permission.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Mexic-Arte is fully ADA compliant with elevators, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs available upon request. All exhibitions are designed with tactile elements and audio descriptions for visitors with visual impairments.

What if I don’t speak Spanish?

All signage, audio guides, and staff are bilingual. You will not miss any content due to language barriers. The museum prioritizes accessibility for all visitors.

Can I take photos for commercial use?

Photography for personal use is permitted. Commercial photography, filming, or media use requires a written permit from the museum’s communications department. Contact media@mexicarte.org for inquiries.

Why doesn’t the museum celebrate on Halloween?

Día de los Muertos is not Halloween. It is a distinct tradition with different origins, meanings, and timing. Mexic-Arte intentionally avoids associating the exhibition with Halloween to preserve its cultural integrity and educate the public on the difference.

How can I support the museum year-round?

Join as a member, donate, volunteer, or attend their monthly art talks and cultural workshops. Follow them on social media to stay informed about upcoming exhibitions and community events.

Conclusion

Visiting the Mexic-Arte Day of the Dead exhibition is not a tourist activity — it is a cultural pilgrimage. It asks you to slow down, to look beyond the colors and the sugar, and to see the humanity behind each altar, each flower, each whispered prayer. In a world that often avoids talking about death, this space offers something radical: a celebration of those who are gone, not with fear, but with love.

By following this guide, you are not just visiting a museum — you are becoming part of a living tradition. You honor the artists, the families, the ancestors whose memories are woven into every papel picado and candle flame. You become a witness to a truth that transcends borders: that love does not end with death. It transforms.

When you leave Mexic-Arte, carry that truth with you. Light a candle for someone you miss. Tell their story. Make their favorite dish. Let their memory live in the way you choose to live your own life.

The Day of the Dead is not about the dead. It is about the living — and how we choose to remember.