“This has been a long-time dream of Gloria Molina’s,” says Katie Dunham, a spokesperson for LA Plaza. “She wanted a place to honor Mexican Americans’ contribution to the community and to tell the story of our cultural history. First this was New Spain, then Mexican California and finally American California — and it’s always been shaped by a constant influx of Mexicans.”Founded in 1781 by settlers, los pobladores, recruited to form a Spanish outpost along the Los Angeles River, the City of Angels has always had a strong Mexican identity. Learn about this rich spirit in LA Starts Here!, a walk through LA’s history, framed by the contributions of Mexicans and Mexican Americans. The exhibit examines moments in time — from the city’s founding to the Chicano movement of the 1960s to the future of Southern California’s ethnic landscape. Recording booths throughout give you the opportunity to react to the exhibit or share your own anecdotes.
“It’s a story about people, so we need people to help us tell it,” Dunham says.
Nearby, the Calle Principal exhibit re-creates Main Street in the 1920s, when it was a hub for LA's immigrant community. Vignettes geared toward kids and families allow you to experience different aspects of immigrant life. You can try on old-time duds in the clothing shop, listen to Spanish-language recordings in the record store, and learn about oral tradition in the family living room.
Alongside hands-on exhibits, the film series Voces Vivas uncovers personal stories from influential community members such as actor Edward James Olmos and Gloria Molina. Plus, in the public garden, an organic vegetable garden and kitchen will host cooking demos and explore the history and importance of Mexican cuisine.
Part of the El Pueblo Historic Monument, the birthplace of Los Angeles, the area around LA Plaza is the cultural heart of L.A.’s Mexican community. Nearby, you'll find Olvera Street, a reimagined Mexican marketplace, and the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, which marks the site where the city was founded 230 years ago.
“We’re a Mexican American cultural center, and we hope to instill pride and celebrate the Mexican American experience,” Dunham says. “But answering questions about cultural identity and exploring the history of LA is relevant to everyone.”
