Dr. Lechuga's Little Gem Fifty Years of Collecting Mexican Folk Art Turns A Home Into A Museum Mexico City is home to 100 museums, among them a little know gem that's in a private home. Dr. Ruth Lechuga's museum of Mexican folk art. her apartment is filled with 10,000 pieces of art, everything from masks, baskets, ceramics and textiles to skeletons in all sizes, forms and materials which adorn her bedroom. A visit to the museum is a virtual tour of the artistic and cultural traditions of every part of Mexico where Lechuga has traveled for over 50 years. A book has been published devoted solely to her collection. In Mexico City's trendy Condesa neighborhood, the light-filled apartment contains closet shelves brimming with 2,000 pieces of textiles that have been meticulously wrapped in tissue paper and divided by the various states, ethnic groups and towns. Over 1,200 human and animal masks with pointy tongues, bulging eyes and sly grins cover the apartment. Baskets, miniatures, ceramic plates, copper pots, trees of life, lacquered gourds and paintings that use feathers, seeds and yarn also help to adorn the apartment. Lechuga utilizes every inch of her home to display her extraordinary collection by resting pieces on table, hanging objects from ceilings and doors and even lining the floors with these treasures. _______________________________________ ...the light-filled apartment contains closet shelves brimming with 2,000 pieces of textiles that have been meticulously wrapped in tissue paper and divided by the various states, ethnic groups and towns. _______________________________________ Her bedroom is a tribute to the famous Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead, that honors those who have passed away. Painted a vibrant pink, it contains captivating relics of the artwork that is symbolic of this important celebration. most of the artwork is made of papier-mâché, clay or candy and in the shape of skulls and skeletons. Mexican folk art first captivated Lechuga soon after she and her family immigrated to Mexico from Vienna, Austria in 1939 when she was 10 years old. She traveled to indigenous communities with her family and then continued to travel extensively throughout the whole country for 50 years, amassing her collection of folk art by visiting different town, jungles, coasts, deserts, highlands, craft competitions, religious ceremonies and local markets. "In opening her home and her extraordinary collection of Mexican folk art, Dr. Lechuga has made a unique contribution to Mexico and visitor to our country," said dr. Julieta Campos, President of the Mexico City Tourism Authority. "And we're very fortunate to host her museum in our great city, the cultural heart of Mexico," she continued. Lechuga's collection currently take up two apartments. There are plans underway to expand because she has purchased a third apartment. To experience this truly unique home that is a museum or rather, this museum that is a home, call (52) (5) 533-5538. She personally guides the tour offering her insight and knowledge as well as interesting stories behind each piece. Visitors can also see the table set up in one corner of her home that Lechuga calls, "my ego altar," displaying her many books and articles written about her. Tours cost $15 per person and are offered in English and Spanish. Reservations are required. This website: Copyright © 2000 Studio Q Int'l Inc / Urban Mozaik Magazine. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in Urban Mozaik Magazine are not necessarily those of Urban Mozaik Magazine and the publisher cannot be held responsible for them. This website/publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.