Latinx Heritage Night

English | Español

Join us for an evening celebrating Latinx heritage and culture, presented in partnership with Amplify Latinx and Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción. Catch live music, dance performances, and talks in the galleries; see works of art from North, Central, and South America; and network with friends and family—all in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month!

Special General Admission Pricing after 5 pm on September 21

Enjoy $5 minimum, pay-what-you-wish general admission to MFA Boston during our Latinx Heritage Night celebration (available in person day of, starting at 5 pm).

Events and Activities

Resource Fair

5–9 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Meet representatives from the Museum and our community partners to learn about the resources and programs they offer. Partners include Amplify Latinx, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, Hyde Square Task Force, Agora, the Boston Latin Quarter, The Teachers’ Lounge, Big Sister Boston, and Love Your Magic, Inc.

Watercolor Landscapes

5–9 pm
Druker Studios, Linde Family Wing

Create your own landscape painting inspired by five iconic works from José Campeche and Francisco Oller—two of the most important painters in the history of Puerto Rican art.

Spotlight Talk: Artists and Landscapes of the Caribbean

6 (English-language talk) and 6:45 pm (Spanish-language talk)
Gallery 235

In the late 19th century, Francisco Oller created some of the most sophisticated and authentic visions of the Puerto Rican landscape. Why do his paintings still matter to artists and audiences today? 

Join us for this conversation with Miguel Trelles, Puerto Rican visual artist, co–executive director of Teatro LATEA, and cofounder, coproducer, and head visual arts curator of the Borimix Puerto Rico Fest; Rafael Medina, chief program officer, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA); and Juan Carlos Gonzalez, director of the arts program, IBA.

Welcome Remarks

6:15 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Hear from Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director; and Eneida Román, board chair and cofounder, Amplify Latinx; as they welcome you to Latinx Heritage Night.

Manolo Mairena

6:30–7:15 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Salsa singer and conguero Manolo Mairena is known for the unmatched energy and passion he brings to his captivating performances. Catch Mairena and his orchestra in a special performance of the new show, Bohemian Night, which showcases the traditions and culture that have defined Mairena’s exceptional career.

The City Talks: Latinx Artistry and Representation

7–8 pm
Gallery 168

How do we continue to support and develop Latinx artists and creatives to increase representation at cultural institutions—and in the arts and culture sector on the whole? Join Boston-area artists, activists, and more for a discussion inspired by the MFA’s celebration of Latinx heritage and culture. With Silvia López Chavez, artist; Jay Calderin, fashion author, educator, and founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week; Sabrina Avilés, independent filmmaker and founder and executive director of CineFest Latino Boston; Rafael A. Shabazz, poet and photographer; Moderated by Carmen Plazas, Mass Cultural Council’s Communications and Community Engagement Manager.

Stay tuned after the panel for a spoken-word performance by Rafael Shabazz.

SambaViva

7:20–7:45 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Experience the color, movement, and energy of SambaViva’s bold choreographies and contagious rhythms. SambaViva is a Brazilian dance ensemble dedicated to authentically promoting Brazilian culture through dance and music.

Obra en marcha: Building a Latinx Art Collection at the MFA

8–8:30 pm
Riley Seminar Room, 156

Although MFA Boston collects and presents art from all over the world, Latinx artists are still underrepresented in our galleries. Join Michelle Millar Fisher, Ronald C. and Anita L. Wornick Curator of Contemporary Decorative Arts; and Layla Bermeo, Kristin and Roger Servison Curator of Paintings, Art of the Americas; for a conversation about strengthening our collection of Latinx art, starting with our holdings of contemporary craft.

DJ Montro

5–5:30 and 8–9 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Take the celebration to the next level with DJ Montro, who hails from the Dominican Republic and always keeps the dance floor full with his unique blend of Latinx music across genres. He’s second to none when it comes to providing a Latin party wherever it’s needed.

Hyde Square Task Force Jóvenes en Acción

5:45–6 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) is a creative youth development organization located in Boston's Latin Quarter. As an arts organization, we focus on the teaching and preservation of Afro Latin arts and culture. Jóvenes en Acción ambassadors will be performing music and dance in the folkloric style of Bomba and Plena from Puerto Rico.

Dining Specials

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Night by heading to New American Café for a Latinx-inspired prix fixe menu. Looking for a quick bite? Enjoy pupusas at Taste. Learn more about dining at the MFA.

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