Controversial Chicano Mural Returns to Light at Los Angeles Museum

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has reopened its doors to Barbara Carrasco's 1981 mural, "L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective," after it spent decades in storage following censorship. This monumental piece offers a rich narrative of Los Angeles history from a Mexican viewpoint, showcasing important figures and events.

The mural features prominent personalities including Chicana activists, sports stars like Fernando Valenzuela, and celebrities such as Jane Fonda and Martin Sheen. Carrasco included her mother in the artwork, reflecting the personal significance of the piece.

Carrasco, now 70, expressed her determination to combat censorship that she experienced when initially creating the mural. After facing opposition that led to its intended destruction, the piece was temporarily displayed in various venues, gaining a reputation for its controversial imagery.

The recent exhibit coincides with the museum's renovations as Los Angeles gears up for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. Carrasco's mural, stretching nearly 24 meters, captures scenes from the city’s past, including depictions of Native American labor at Spanish missions, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and racially motivated violence.

While the mural remains a symbol of Carrasco's vision, it also retains visible signs of its troubled history, with some areas left unfinished as a reflection of its journey. Now on display, the mural stands as a testament to the culturally rich narrative that Carrasco sought to tell, embracing a perspective that had long been overlooked.