This summer, Museum visitors will have an opportunity to see one of the most prestigious and culturally significant exhibitions of Mexican art ever collected. Visions of Mexican Art features 55 works by renowned Mexican artists from the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Spanning five movements of artistic production in Mexico over the last 70 years, this collection addresses the political and social plight of Mexico while celebrating the country’s rich history. Paintings, sculptures, and photographs from several well-known artists, such as Mexican modernists Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamoya, allow viewers to understand how the artistic movement of Mexico has shaped the cultural, social, and political climate.

The works are from Mexico’s Ministry of Finance Payment-in-Kind Collection, designed by the government to support Mexican artists by accepting their art in lieu of monetary payment for taxes. The art-for-taxes program was put into effect by presidential decree in 1975 and the collection has since amassed more than 4,000 works. The other works are from the agency’s Heritage Archive of some 10,000 objects, artifacts, and artworks. Both programs afford a fascinating glimpse into a number of Mexican art movements.