This week’s exploration of Chicago’s neighborhoods has led us to Pilsen. It is also known commonly as the lower west side and is around 2.5 miles south from where I currently reside now, in West Loop near the Fulton Market.
As we entered from the North side of Pilsen, at first glance I realized that Pilsen has a lot of colorful street art. The buildings were covered in massive paintings that hinted at the thriving arts community that exists here.
Before I dive into the rich findings and mural paintings during our field trip I wanted to share the historic background of this neighborhood.
Pilsen’s story is one of struggle and triumph: Immigrants who arrived faced huge struggles to navigate a foreign, often unwelcoming new land; factory workers struggling for a livable wage and an eight-hour day, even in the face of violent suppression; neighbors struggling to make their streets safe, their schools respectable, their air clean enough to breathe, and their homes secure.
For much of its history, the neighborhood was predominantly occupied by immigrants. First, a large influx of Eastern Europeans and bohemians were drawn here, leaving lots of Czech influences, who named the district after Pilsen, the fourth largest city in Czechia. Later, Mexican immigrants settled in this area of the city. As a result, Pilsen has one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in Chicago.
Walking along the streets revealed Pilsen’s beautiful collection and appreciation of art. For one, the neighborhood has some of the city’s most impressive street art. we were able to find extensive Mexican-themed murals dating back to the ’70s along West 18th Street and West 16th between Wood and Halsted streets. The artwork in this area spoke about the culture and socio-political history of the area.
As we kept walking past the bustling streets, we began to see Pilsen also as a haven for off-beat boutiques, hip eateries, and cool music venues standing alongside bodegas, panaderias, and family-owned restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
Not only was the street art jaw-dropping, but Pilsen has been the home to the National Museum of Mexican Art, a highly-regarded cultural institution.
We were able to find it, however, due to covid, we restrained ourselves from going into indoor spaces.
