This free exhibition showcases rarely seen masterpieces from one of Mexico’s most iconic artists in the United States for a limited time

March 26, 2025

Minneapolis—The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) announces an upcoming exhibition devoted to José María Velasco (1840–1912), Mexico’s most celebrated 19th-century painter. “José María Velasco: A View of Mexico” will be on view from September 27, 2025, through January 4, 2026, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Velasco’s monumental works outside of Mexico.

Renowned for his breathtaking depictions of the Valle de México, Velasco captured the intersection of natural beauty and rapid industrialization during a time of profound social change. His works serve as both artistic masterpieces and historical records, exploring Mexico’s unique landscapes, Mesoamerican heritage, and the transformative effects of modernization.

A Rare Opportunity
Velasco’s paintings are considered national treasures in Mexico and rarely leave the country. Nearly all his works are housed in Mexican collections, notably the National Museum of Art (Museo Nacional de Arte) in Mexico City. This exhibition will showcase an extraordinary selection of Velasco’s work, providing a cultural celebration for the Twin Cities’ vibrant Mexican American community.

“Velasco holds a place in Mexican art history comparable to Albert Bierstadt or Frederic Church in the United States,” said Valeria Piccoli, Mia’s Ken and Linda Cutler Chair of the Arts of the Americas and Curator of Latin American Art. “His dramatic, romantic landscapes evoke national pride and wonder, and we’re thrilled to introduce his work to a broader audience. Bringing this exhibition to Mia is also part of our commitment to expanding our presentation of artists from Central and South America, both past and present.”

Global Perspectives and Local Connections
“This exhibition reflects our mission to connect global art histories with our diverse local audiences,” said Katie Luber, President of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. “Velasco’s remarkable landscapes not only celebrate Mexico’s natural beauty but also spark meaningful conversations about the shared experiences of change, resilience, and cultural identity.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to compare Velasco’s paintings with those of American landscape artists like Bierstadt, Moran, and Cropsey, whose works are displayed in neighboring galleries. These connections invite visitors to consider how artists across the Americas grappled with themes of colonialism, industrialization, and ecological change—issues as relevant today as they were in Velasco’s time.

Groundbreaking Catalogue
A scholarly catalogue accompanying the exhibition will mark the first monographic study of Velasco published outside Mexico. It will serve as a foundational resource for future research on the artist by featuring critical essays and contributions from leading scholars in Mexico, Britain, and the United States—including Mia’s Valeria Piccoli.

Organized in Partnership with the National Gallery, London
Exhibition organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the National Gallery, London. Curated by Valéria Piccoli, Ken and Linda Cutler Chair of the Art of the Americas and Curator of Latin American Art, from an initial concept by Dexter Dalwood. The National Gallery presentation of “José María Velasco: A View of Mexico,” curated by artist and independent curator Dexter Dalwood and Daniel Sobrino Ralston, the National Gallery’s CEEH (Centro de Estudios Europa Hispánica) Associate Curator of Spanish Paintings, from an initial concept by Dexter Dalwood, will be on view at the National Gallery from March 29 through August 17, 2025.

Mia Exhibition Details

• Exhibition Title: “José María Velasco: A View of Mexico”
• Dates: September 27, 2025–January 4, 2026
• Location: Bell Court, Minneapolis Institute of Art
• Cost: Free

For more information on “José María Velasco: A View of Mexico” and other upcoming exhibitions, visit www.artsmia.org.

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About The National Gallery, London

The National Gallery is one of the greatest art galleries in the world. Founded by Parliament in 1824, the Gallery houses the nation’s collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the late 13th to the early 20th century. The collection includes works by Artemisia Gentileschi, Bellini, Cezanne, Degas, Leonardo, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Titian, Turner, Van Dyck, Van Gogh and Velázquez. The Gallery’s key objectives are to care for and enhance the collection and provide the best possible access to visitors. Admission free. nationalgallery.org.uk

About the Minneapolis Institute of Art

Home to more than 100,000 works of art representing nearly 7,000 years of world history, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest art collections in the country—from all corners of the globe, from ancient to contemporary—Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, and offers an exceptional setting for inspiration. Learn more about Mia in our latest Impact Report.

General admission to Mia is always free, but some special exhibitions charge a nominal fee.

For more information, call + 1 612 870 3000 or visit www.artsmia.org. Everyone is welcome. Always.