The calacas are back! After six years of being closed to the public, the Dolores Olmedo Museum’s historic offering returns to Xochimilco in 2026. The exhibition ¡Calacas al Museo! will be on view from October 23 to January 17, 2027.
The return holds special significance, as it will be the venue’s first Day of the Dead celebration since its reopening in May 2026, after remaining closed since 2020.
The historic Hacienda La Noria will once again host this tradition, which for decades has brought together folk art, memory, and the iconic cardboard skeletons.
A tradition that began after the death of Diego Rivera
The history of the museum’s offerings is deeply connected to Dolores Olmedo and her friendship with Diego Rivera.
It was the collector herself who recalled, in 1997, that she began creating these altars after the painter’s death in 1957.
“For more than 40 years, since the death of maestro Diego Rivera in 1957, I have revived the Mexican tradition of creating offerings,” said Dolores Olmedo.
Year after year, these displays have become a tribute to the deceased and to Mexican traditions, incorporating folk art objects and figures that reflect different expressions of the Day of the Dead.
Now, the cardboard calacas are returning to the Dolores Olmedo Museum as part of the revival of this celebration.
When should you visit the 2026 offering at the Dolores Olmedo Museum?
The exhibition will be on view for nearly three months, so it can be visited even after the celebrations on November 1 and 2.
In addition to seeing the offering, you can stroll through the gardens of the historic Hacienda La Noria and explore the museum’s art collections, including works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.
The peacocks and Xoloitzcuintles that inhabit the grounds are also part of the experience of visiting this cultural space in southern Mexico City.
Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:
- Dates: October 23, 2026, through January 17, 2027.
- Location: Dolores Olmedo Museum, Av. México 5843, La Noria, Xochimilco.
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Cost: $162 for Mexican residents with valid identification. Tickets here
