The partnership of Cantigny Park, the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage and the City of West Chicago hosts a five-month outdoor art exhibit featuring dozens of mythical animals inspired by Mexican folklore. “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” at Cantigny Park runs from Wednesday, June 1 – Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. An official public celebration is planned for Sunday, June 12. The word alebrijes (pronounced ah-leh-bree-hehs) refers to imaginary creatures that possess elements from different animals. They originated in the 1930s from the vivid dreams of Mexico City artist Pedro Linares. At Cantigny, located 35 miles west of Chicago at 1S151 Winfield Rd. in Wheaton, visitors will discover whimsical alebrije sculptures of assorted sizes throughout the gardens and grounds.   A few of the creatures may turn up in surprising places.  “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” comes to Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, Ill., June 1-Oct. 30, 2022. Admission is included with Cantigny’s regular parking fee, currently $5 per car ($10 on summer weekends). From May through October, the Park is open daily from 7a.m. to sunset. No advance registration or tickets required. For more information, visit www.Cantigny.org/Alebrijes.

Photo Credit 1: (L to R) MCC Founder and President Fernando Ramirez with Carlos Hernandez, lead collaborator in Mexico City, and Alebrijes artist Miram Salgado Zamorano. Photo Credit: MCC
Photo Credit 2: Maqueta (model) alebrije by Alejandro Camacho Barrera. Photo Credit: Dave Blake, Cantigny