Museum of Riverside

Uncovering Ancient Mexico: The Mystery of Tlatilco

Many treasures reside deep in the storage facilities of the Riverside Metropolitan Museum (RMM). Among these treasures is a collection of ceramic figurines and other artifacts from an ancient civilization just outside of what is now Mexico City. These artifacts come from Tlatilco (Tla-teel-ko), one of the earliest complex societies of Central Mexico that flourished about 3,000 years ago. These treasures are featured in a collaborative exhibition of the RMM’s artifacts hosted at the Riverside Art Museum (RAM) – a first between these two Riverside museums.

Join us on an adventure through time as we explore the mysteries of the Tlatilco culture and find out how archaeologists piece together clues from the past. Through bilingual labels (Spanish and English), photographs, drawings, and hands-on features, learn about the Tlatilco treasures and see other objects on loan from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Come explore at RAM and discover the incredible story of Tlatilco.

Exhibition location:
Riverside Art Museum
3425 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA 92501
951.684.7111
www.riversideartmuseum.org

The Pretty Lady

Pretty Lady, an artistic ambassador for the exhibition, is travelling around Riverside. This nine-foot sculpture is made from 1,100 crushed, discarded tomato paste cans. Riverside artist Martín Sanchez took his inspiration from a five-inch figurine in the RMM’s Tlatilco collection. City Councilman Melendrez said, “We’re very fortunate to have a local artist like Martin Sanchez who can create a piece in his own inimitable style that draw people into the exhibition.” Riverside artist Martín Sanchez unveils Pretty Lady.

Pretty Lady can be viewed at the following locations; dates are proposed and subject to change.

Currently at La Sierra Park

Upcoming:
Andulka Park
Arlington Library
Main Library
Orange Terrace Park/Library
Fairmount Park