America Tropical Interpretive Center — Attraction in Los Angeles

David Alfaro Siqueiros was an influential artist who grew up in Mexico and strove to impact lives through his art. Siqueiros became part of the Mexican Muralist Movement culture and his artwork showcased strong political ideas. In 1932, he was exiled from Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. While in Los Angeles, he was commissioned by F.K. Ferenz, the director of the Plaza Art Center during the 1930's, to paint América Tropical on Olvera Street at El Pueblo de Los Angeles; the birthplace of the city of L.A.

Siqueiros decided to paint a mural that reflected the current political environment in Los Angeles at the time; The Great Depression Era. When the mural was finally revealed to the public, people were shocked and offended by the image of an indigenous man on the cross, in addition to an image of revolutionaries pointing their rifles at the eagle. By 1938, América Tropical was completely whitewashed, in an attempt to cover up his work from further viewings. After decades of neglect, renewed interest in the historic value of his mural developed, which led to its preservation from conservationists. In 1988, The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) entered into a partnership with the City of Los Angeles to protect and provide historical value and interpretation of this mural. "América Tropical" has now since been made accessible to the public once again so that Siqueiros' legacy...

A historic site. Small but filled with life. Nice to see it full of life with people after the pandemic. The Sequieros mural is a literal hidden gem. More people in LA should recognize all sides of history. Good and bad to appreciate the whole story...

I brought my family to this center while visiting Olvera street. I had never heard of it but my dad, who went to art school in Latin America ages ago, was beyond excited when he saw it. If you know any artists or political activists, definitely...