The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum — Attraction in Riverside

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry, or simply "The Cheech," is a must-see gem in Riverside, California.

The museum showcases a huge collection of art that highlights the history, culture, and experiences of the Chicano community.

Walking through the museum, you’ll find an impressive mix of paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. The exhibits feature works from big names like Carlos Almaraz, Judith F. Baca, and Frank Romero, giving you a deep dive into the evolution of Chicano art. The space is welcoming and modern, making it easy to enjoy the art whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just curious about Chicano culture.

What makes The Cheech stand out is not just the art, but the way it brings people together. They host events, workshops, and educational programs that get you thinking about the cultural and social issues that shaped this art. Whether you’re learning about the history or just appreciating the creativity, the museum offers something for everyone. If you’re ever in the area, The Cheech is definitely worth checking out—it’s a cool spot to experience the power of Chicano art...

Who knew that the most popping art scene this side of the 91 freeway would be... in Riverside? Yes, that Riverside. The land of wanna be cholos, and mid food.

First off, the art is distinctively Chicano — bold, vibrant, and dripping in cultura. You walk in and immediately get hit with a wave of color, history, and pan dulce references so strong you might need to check your blood sugar. There are paintings that made me cry, think, and crave a concha all at once.

Some pieces were so sweet-looking, I swear I gained five pounds just staring at them. There’s one with a stack of glazed pan dulce that had more emotional depth than half the people I dated in my twenties. It’s like if Frida Kahlo and a panadería had a baby raised on lowrider dreams and old-school love songs.

And of course, Cheech himself — yes, that Cheech from Cheech & Chong — has curated a collection that says, “Yes, I smoked a lot of weed, but I also have excellent taste in art.”...

As I understand, the Cheech currently (December 2022) displays about 100 pieces from a collection of over 500 pieces donated by Cheech Marin. The plan is to change the exhibit early 2023 and (I guess) rotate in other work not currently on display. The bottom floor contains the Cheech's collection. The breadth and quality of the pieces is amazing and the works are culturally and artistically relevant.

The top floor is work from featured artists taking advantage of the excellent space to display their work. I didn't ask how artists are chosen to exhibit but enjoyed the space and the work of the featured artists on display.

The museum has a space for art activities and classes. Inquire at the front desk to see what's available and when. Several kids were entering at 4:00 pm for a class as the exhibit space was closing. Well worth your time to visit. I plan to return in January, 2023, when the exhibit rotates in more pieces from their...