Skip to Content
Art

Cheech Marin’s Chicano Art Collection Will Get a Permanent Home in Riverside

Cheech courtesy of The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art

[dropcap size=big]A[/dropcap] project for a Chicano art center to house the art collection of legendary Chicano actor and comedian Cheech Marin just received an allocation of $9.7 million from the state budget, allowing it to move forward and eventually rise in Riverside.

Governor Jerry Brown made the allocation in the budget he signed this Wednesday for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, a brainchild of Marin’s dating back to the mid-80s, is scheduled to open 2020 in Riverside, 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, in a 61,420-square-foot facility at 3581 Mission Inn Avenue, where the city’s 54-year-old Main Library currently stands.

“I have dreamed for many years of finding a home for the hundreds of pieces of art that I have spent much of my life collecting, protecting and showing, when possible, at major museums around the world,” Marin said in a statement Wednesday. “Chicano art is American art. My goal is to bring the term ‘Chicano’ to the forefront of the art world.”

Richard Marin, known primarily as just “Cheech,” rose to fame in the late 70s playing a Chicano stoner from East LA with his comedy partner Tommy Chong. He has since been an ambassador of sorts for Chicano art, a term used to identify politically and socially engaged Mexican-American culture.

Marin will bring to the museum his collection of 700 works of Chicano art, including paintings, sculptures and photography, according to the city. The collection includes works by Carlos Almaraz, Gaspar Enríquez, Margaret García, CiCi Segura González, Leo Limón, Gilbert “Magu” Luján, Frank Romero, Ricardo Ruiz, Jaime “Germs” Zacarias, and Vincent Valdez.

RELATED: Frank Romero Soñando en Califas 

“Our residents and our business community will benefit from the addition of a major cultural amenity that drives a wave of new visitors to our hotels, restaurants and shops,” Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey said in a statement Wednesday.

The city had already raised 3.1 million, including an initial $1 million from the state, through its #ReachForTheCheech online donations campaign.

“The Riverside community has made this dream come true,” Marin said Wednesday. “And I am overjoyed that this incredible center will open in the heart of a community I have come to know and love.”

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1893152360959570.1073741827.1893146820960124

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

This Weekend: Jalisco-Style Wings, Duck Tamales on Abbot Kinney, and THC-Infused ‘Halloweed’ Candy

Are you brave enough to drink a cocktail from an I.V bag while watching Freddy Kruger do what he does best? Then there's a rooftop in Hollywood waiting for you.

October 4, 2024

Eight Sick Halloween Haunts In Los Angeles

From a theater experience that will scar you to a chance to play a character in a Halloween haunt, we have seven of the most immersive experiences in the city for your Halloween terror.

October 3, 2024

The Taco 69: These Are L.A.’s Best Tacos, Ranked

To live and eat tacos in Los Angeles. As the L.A.'s first publication dedicated to finding the best tacos, we are ranking our fine taco scene for the first time ever. It's the guide to end all other taco guides and dedicated to our members who support us and to the best damn city in the world—complete with a map. Happy 69ing. TACOS FOREVER.

Johnny Marr’s Show In DTLA Reminds Us That Not all Manchester Music Is Miserable

The iconic ex-guitarist, co-founder, and co-songwriter of The Smiths (1982-1987) played a sold-out show at the Orpheum Theatre. And yes, the genius behind "This Charming Man" reminded all of us that only he can truly play that song the way it's meant to be heard, no vocals needed.  

September 30, 2024

Seven New, Must-Try Taquerías In L.A.

It’s never been a better time to live in L.A. and love tacos. For the last few years, the food media narrative behind L.A.’s arduous restaurant scene has been doom and gloom. But now, L.A. is experiencing a taquería explosion.

September 26, 2024
See all posts