'Alebrijes' To Bring Mythical Mexican Creatures To Cantigny Park

WHEATON, IL — Cantigny Park will come alive with dozens of brightly colored sculptures of animals and mythical creatures from Mexican folklore for an outdoor exhibit called “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World." The exhibit, which opens June 1, 2022, will feature nearly 50 statues created by artists based in Mexico City.

Thirty of the sculptures will be crafted in Mexico. These sculptures will each depict mythical beasts that are roughly five feet in length. A total of 18 more sculptures —some of which are 13 feet tall or eight feet wide— will be painted at art studios in the area. Artists will travel from Mexico City to bring these final creations to life.

“What a wonderful opportunity this is to celebrate DuPage County’s cultural diversity through art,” Beth Marchetti, Executive Director of the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a news release.

Marchetti added, “Like the Frida Kahlo exhibit in 2021, the alebrijes will appeal to residents, tourists and businesses. We can build on this in so many positive ways.”

“Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World" comes via a partnership between Cantigny Park, the Mexican Cultural Center of DuPage and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau. To coincide with the five-month exhibit, concerts, artists lectures, in-studio demonstrations, children's activities and more will take place throughout DuPage County.

“We are excited to share this work with the community,” Fernando Ramirez, President and Founder of Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, said in the news release.

He added, “It’s gratifying to see our collaboration and partnership with Mexican artists lead to a major installation like this. People are going to love it, and they’re going to learn some fascinating things about Mexico’s cultural traditions.”

Cantigny Park guests will get admission to the "Alebrijes" exhibit with payment for parking at the venue. “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World" is expected to remain open through Oct. 31, 2022.