The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture

I was here for Cheech Marin's Press Conference in 2017, first visited at the end of 2022, and returned October 2024. The space is still immaculate and open. There are plenty of artists with well trained eyes that flood the walls. This is a valuable California museum and rivals many art museums in the region. Tickets can be purchased online and you can find 3 hour parking in the rear of the building.

The "Cheech" opened in June 2022. I read about its plan for a center to showcase Latino art paintings, photography and sculptures. It's a connection for emerging artists to gather and support one another. This is a two-level museum and gift shop to buy prints, books, bookmarks, pens, key chains, collector pins, and souvenirs. Exhibits rotate to feature different types of art from numerous artists. A nominal entrance fee supports their projects and programs. Free Admission is available on the First Thursday evening (6PM- 9PM to coincide with Riverside Art Walk); and, First Sunday of the month, sponsored by Bank of America. Plan a day trip to Riverside, enjoy museums, restaurants, hotels, shops, parks, and churches. Don't forget to tell'em that Rosemary and Cheech Marin sent ya!

Free Sundays at The Cheech all summer long just ended, and luckily, we found the time to make the trip. I remembered coming to the former library years ago, and was curious when news broke that the space would be transformed into a museum. Twas' a scorcher of a day in R'side when we went, and even the museum couldn't keep out some of that heat we were trying to get away from. With all that said, I was truly captivated by the art. Curated by Cheech Marin over the years, there seemed to be a sense of longing for the bygone days, melancholy mixed with celebration. Family time at the dinner tables, mixtapes on wooden cassettes of classic singers such as Joan Sebastian and Amanda Miguel, a miniaturized model of a child's bedroom fashioned from clay, a collection of neon-colored signs listing grocery products and prices, and poetry lamenting the distance between family members due to immigration status. In short, the collection felt down-to-earth, approachable, yet thought-provoking. On the second floor, the Yolanda Lopez exhibit showed works of incredible scope, highlighting generations of women throughout her life and providing a platform for them to be seen and heard. The anatomical representation of the heart showed up in multiple art pieces, which I interpreted as pumping life into all the still imagery and perhaps the uninitiated museum-goer. One of the artists that was interviewed in a video presentation referred to "mental menudo", the way to nourish the mind artistically which guided his desire to create. Without a doubt, the menudo is delicious here.

A beautiful space and a new venue to hold a charity gala. I love the ease of parking and the inviting entrance. I hope to visit again to truly enjoy each art piece.

This museum was such a fun surprise experience. The 2-3 story hologram piece commissioned for the museum is worth the price of admission. Really liked the colorful and interesting pieces, and the traveling/rotating exhibit was interesting.

WOW. So thankful for places like the Cheech to be so community centered and so inviting! We took advantage of the FREE FIRST SUNDAY of THE MONTH. Seriously, calling all families in the area to check out this place. We took our 3 year old and 8 month old infant. We took a stroller and everything. They have 2 ramps by the entrance and an elevator to get to the 2nd floor. There is space for all. They are not kidding when they say they are open for all ages. The arts are amazing and there is enough space for everyone to admire the arts. The people working/volunteering are friendly. The art is appropriate for all ages, though depending on the exhibits, there may be some that are a bit scary for the little ones. The arts tells a story and evoke pretty powerful feelings. I really did enjoy going around and just appreciating the paintings and the sculpture. There were also plenty of other kids activities and booths that were giving away free goodies for the kids to enjoy. Truly such a wonderful place to have here in Riverside!

Enjoy Cheech Marin's collection of Chicano arts, especially loved the pieces from P. Valdez and Chaz Bojorquez. The featured artist exhibit of Judithe Hernandez was provocative and powerful.Limited free parking in the back of the museum on the weekend.Admission fee also gives one entrance to the Riverside Art Center and Museum down the street. Must visit both. Good value.

The Cheech is a great experience and a very nice addition to downtown Riverside. They have a feee parking lot behind the museum which is super nice. The employees were super friendly. Your ticket gets you into the RAM as well. I really enjoyed my visit!

Staying at the Mission Inn, with the museum just across the street, we had to drop in for a visit. Growing up in Boyle Heights, it was a walk through memory lane with a lot of the artist showcasing some of the nearby parks (Echo and Hollenbeck) and points of interest.

What can I say...my heart belongs in LA and this place just took me on a blast from the past. I brought my dad with me this time and he was able to reminiscence about growing up in East LA. Chicano art will always have a special place in my heart and this place kept me in awe. The first floor is filled with art piece from local Chicano artist from Los Angeles. They each tell stories about their experiences with the stroke of a paintbrush, a click of a flash, and in many other ways. There are also those pieces that make you aware of the smaller picture many do not like to talk about-discrimination and assimilation. Te center told each story beautifully. I definitely recommend stopping to watch the different videos that are on display because they are different but entertaining. There are two floors to the center so there's is a lot to see. Make sure you check out the giant low rider piñata! It is definitely a sight to see. The gift shop has some pretty cool souvenirs and some books that were featured in the collection. Bring a camera when you come to visit. Just make sure you keep the flash off!!!