“Abuelita’s Kitchen: Mexican Food Stories,” from March 17 through June 13, 2026.
There is a unique kind of magic that happens in an abuelita’s kitchen. It’s where heritage is preserved, stories are shared and culture is passed down through generations—one delicious dish at a time. The La Quinta Museum will host a powerful new exhibit, “Abuelita’s Kitchen: Mexican Food Stories,” on view from March 17 through June 13, 2026.
This exhibit goes far beyond the culinary arts; it is an exploration of identity, place and the profound cultural impact of Mexican and Mexican-American women in Southern California. Through the stories of 10 indigenous, mestiza, Mexican-American, and Afro-Mexican grandmothers, the exhibit honors the women who have worked to preserve their foodways while building vibrant new communities.
Visitors will have the opportunity to journey through the personal histories of these abuelas, exploring:
For too long, the contributions of many Mexican and Mexican-American women—particularly those who are immigrants, undocumented, or non-English-speaking—have been absent from museum collections. By documenting their family recipes and personal histories, this exhibit celebrates their vital influence on Southern California culture.
“Abuelita’s Kitchen: Mexican Food Stories” was developed by USC professor Sarah Portnoy, with generous support from California Humanities and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. The exhibition is currently touring through the nonprofit Exhibit Envoy, ensuring these stories reach communities across California.
Know Before You Go:
For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions at La Quinta Museum visit playinlaquinta.com/arts-culture/la-quinta-museum/.
