Albuquerque, NM – The National Hispanic Cultural Center is thrilled to celebrate a quarter-century of art, community, and culture with its free 25th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 25, featuring art activities, special behind-the-scenes tours, musical guests, and much more!
“Since opening in 2000, the Center has embraced its identity as a cultural home for the diverse identities that shape our community,” said National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) Executive Director Zack Quintero. “As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we look back on 25 years of growth and hard work, and we also look ahead to a bright future for the Center and our community.”
Following more than a decade of work by the Hispanic Cultural Foundation and Foundation co-founder Ed Lujan, the National Hispanic Cultural Center opened its doors to the public in October 2000. Prince Felipe de Borbón of Spain (now King Felipe VI), Vice President Al Gore, and other celebrated dignitaries were among the crowd of revelers to attend the opening.
After 25 years of breathtaking performances and stunning art exhibitions, the Center is pulling out all the stops to ensure its latest celebration is just as special as the first. Starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, enjoy guided tours of the majestic NHCC Torreón and its massive Mundos de Mestizaje fresco. In the NHCC’s Fountain Courtyard, enjoy live performances including Azteca dancers, the National Institute of Flamenco, and other artistic partners.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, visitors of all ages can enjoy dance performances, crown-making, Muertos y Marigolds face-painting, and much more. Then, cap off the evening with a performance from the award-winning Latin band Nosotros! Starting at 6:00 p.m., dance along with one of the most recognizable and original Latin bands in the Southwest United States.
After Oct. 25, keep the 25th Anniversary festivities going with free guided tours the Center’s Visual Art Museum Collections on Tuesday, Oct. 28; Thursday, Oct. 30; and Saturday, Nov. 1. Go behind-the-scenes with the Visual Arts staff and see more of the 4500 artworks that comprise the museum’s permanent collection.
These events are free to attend, in celebration of the Center and its community. Learn more and register today at nhccnm.org/events.
More about the National Hispanic Cultural Center The National Hispanic Cultural Center is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities. The NHCC presents mission-related events throughout the year, some produced by its history, literary, performing, and visual arts programs, and others by partnering with external organizations. Events take place at its 20-plus-acre campus, which includes a plaza, an art museum, a historically designated building, a library, and a genealogy center. The NHCC is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and is further supported by the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation.