With community space, art and cultural exhibits, and festive annual events, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is a hub for celebrating Hispanic heritage in Austin. Originally opened in 2007, the center recently reopened to the public after a multi-year renovation. The new center boasts new gathering spaces, beautiful outdoor grounds, additional gallery space and more.
ESB-MACC. Credit to Visit Austin.
History
The Mexican American Cultural Center originally opened to the public in September 2007; however, the journey to opening the center started long before that. As early as the 1970s, several Hispanic visionaries and artists began to push for the creation of a Hispanic-focused cultural arts center. In 1986, the City of Austin officially appointed a task force to study the feasibility of developing a Mexican American Cultural Center. It wasn't until the late 1990s, after the first city bond referendum failed to pass, that a second referendum was put forth and passed by voters. The long-awaited groundbreaking took place in November 2005, and construction was completed two years later.
Nearly two decades after its initial debut, the center underwent an extensive renovation to bring even more programmable space to the community. The campus now boasts dynamic new wings flanking its iconic curved building, featuring state-of-the-art youth classrooms, music rehearsal rooms, expanded galleries, and a community teaching kitchen. At the heart of the transformation is the reimagined central plaza, or zócalo, now shaded by a new roof structure and mature pecan trees, providing a vibrant space for Austin's Hispanic community to gather, create, and celebrate for generations to come.
ESB-MACC. Credit to Visit Austin.
Exhibitions & Galleries
The Mexican American Cultural Center currently has two exhibits on display for visitors to explore. Located on the first floor, the Imagination Knows No Borders exhibition walks visitors through the 95-year history of Latino cultural arts and activism in Austin. Made up of curated archival materials and historical narratives, this collection honors the creativity, cultural leadership and collective imagination that continue to shape Austin's cultural landscape today.
Upstairs in the Sam Z. Coronado Gallery, the Mitote: Amigos Gathering exhibit features a mix of unique works from the Gilberto Cardenas & Dolores Carrillo Garcia Art Collection. Explore colorful paintings, sculptures and prints from a variety of renowned and emerging Latino artists.
Outside along the Trail of Tejano Legends, the Perez and Ramos Family Music Legends Site honors the deep musical traditions and cultural contributions of the Perez and Ramos families. The installation was designed by Carmen Arismendi and portrays Ruben and Ernest Perez playing the saxophones and Alfonso and Ruben Ramos singing.
Events
The ESB-MACC's main function is to serve as a gathering space for community events and programs. In the spring, the La Mujer event is a celebration of women featuring a full day of free wellness activities, workshops and performing arts. For Mexican Independence Day each September, the ESB-MACC hosts Viva Mexico. Enjoy food and drinks, shopping from local vendors, family-friendly activities, and mariachi music and performances. Celebrate family and honor deceased loved ones at the annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival in November.
In addition to the center's marquee events and festivals, it also hosts regular cooking and baking classes, family-friendly storytimes, live music and summer camps.
Visit the ESB-MACC event calendar to learn about upcoming events.
ESB-MACC. Credit to Visit Austin.
Visiting the ESB-MACC
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is located in Downtown Austin. The center is open Monday through Saturday and is free to the public. Explore the galleries at your leisure or arrange a guided tour by calling the center ahead of time.
What to Do Near the ESB-MACC
The Mexican American Cultural Center is conveniently located on Rainey Street, so there's plenty to do and see nearby. Grab lunch (or dinner) and a drink on Rainey Street. This popular nightlife destination has plenty of daytime options, from coffee at Daydreamer and 200+ beers on tap at Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden to MICHELIN Green Star dining at Emmer & Rye. Or spend some time outdoors, exploring the newly opened Confluence Trail along Waterloo Greenway or take a stroll along Lady Bird Lake on the Butler Hike & Bike Trail.
