Art Museum of the Americas: A Colorful Display of Latin America

The Art Museum of the Americas is a brightly colored, whimsical, alluring and romantic collection of contemporary art from the Caribbean and Latin America, housed under one roof within steps of the National Mall, not to mention the White House.

Featuring nearly 2,000 pieces of work, the Art Museum of the Americas displays some of the most important artists from Latin America on its permanent collection. It's a real find among the vast galleries near the Mall, but its compactness and feasible size makes it enjoyable to stroll and study each piece without the pressure of completing a giant museum.

The Art Museum of the Americas was established in 1976 by the Organization of American States, in the former home of the OAS Secretary-General. The house itself is a Spanish Colonial-style, built in 1912, with sprawling lawns, a swimming pool (for decoration, not for recreation) and large windows. It houses paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and light installations, among other works.

Much of the collection grew from an acquisitions fund, as well as through donations from artists themselves. Some of the artists include Carlos Cruz-Diez, Joaquin Torres Garcia, Carlos Merida, Amelia Pelaez, Alejandro Obregon, Roberto Matta and Hector Poleo. The museum has private tours available with trained docents to talk about the different art.

Several exhibits change through the year and are based on themes or artists. Past exhibits include paintings and drawings by Emilia Gutierrez, photography by Petra Barth, including Argentina in Focus: Visualizing the Concept, Mi Gente es su Gene: La Vida Chicana en los EEUU, and a current exhibition focusing on Caribbean art.

There's a creative educational component to the museum for children, giving them a hands-on introduction to Latin American art. Workshops center on traditional folk art, including making pinatas, corn husk dolls or carnival cast masks. Other classes involve making friendship bracelets with knotted string and making hand casts. Workshops are also available for families.

HelloWashingtonDC Tip: Several events are held at the museum, including special and touring exhibits, as well as lectures. The property's beauty allows for private events to be held there, including weddings and other parties. Click on the museum's facility rental web page for further details.

Art of the Americas Latin American art Caribbean art Washington DC museum