National Museum of Mexican Art to Transform Performance Space with Rick Bayless's Support
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is set to undergo a significant transformation of its performance space, thanks to a $1 million donation from the Bayless Family Foundation. The renovation, part of a $5 million project, aims to convert the current makeshift event area into a professional theater named Foro de Artes Bayless. This initiative addresses the need for a high-quality Latino performance venue in Chicago, as highlighted by Rick Bayless, a James Beard Award-winning chef. The project includes the construction of new green rooms and a main performance area with modern amenities such as LED lighting and cinema-grade projection. The renovation is expected to be completed by early winter 2028, with a pause for the museum's 40th anniversary celebrations in March 2027.