Every September, the De Young Museum celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through special programs celebrating its permanent and magnificent collection of the Art of the Americas.
The Art of the Americas collection provides unique perspectives into cultures and civilizations that thrived in the Western hemisphere long before the Spanish conquest. Most objects in these collections date between 200 BC and the mid-sixteenth century AD, with a strong focus in Mesoamerican and Andean art.
Almost all of these ancient arts were used in religious or funerary contexts. General themes found in these works include human and divine rulership; the importance of ritual life; relationships between this life and the afterworld; shamanism (religious healing); and adoration of or curiosity about the natural world. These objects have survived the centuries because many are made of strong, permanent materials, such as stone or fired earthenware. Several examples of objects made of less durable media such as wood, feathers or fiber have also survived over the ages, due to a fortuitous burial location or dry climate.
The de Young is also home to the largest and most important group of Teotihuacan murals outside of Mexico. This windfall bequest transformed the museum and catalyzed a groundbreaking collaboration for the conservation of the murals over a ten-year period and precipitated the unprecedented, voluntary return of over two-thirds of the mural fragments to the nation of Mexico. Additional highlights from the Art of the Americas include Maya and West Mexico artworks.
Come early and enjoy the galleries! Friday Night programming begins at 6:00 p.m.
Entrance of the Museum
6:00–8:30 p.m.
Hands-on art making for all-ages: Meet one of our museum artists and make your own creation inspired by the special Picasso exhibition.
In Wilsey Court
6:30–8:30 p.m.
The Mads Tolling Quartet pays tribute to Jean-Luc Ponty
In Koret Auditorium
7:15 p.m. (note time change) Free tickets will be available at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Mistura: The Power of Food (Dir. Patricia Perez, Peru, 2010, 38 min.)
In Kimball Artist Studio
6:00–8:45 p.m.
Opening Reception for Inheritance: mixed-media works by Artist Fellow Todd T. Brown exploring a contemporary interweave of human histories and the identification of self.
Herbst Special Exhibition Galleries
6:30–7:30 p.m. (special exhibition admission required)
Docent available within the special exhibition Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris
Ticket Information
Programs are free. Museum and special exhibition admission required to visit the galleries.
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