EL PUEBLO DE LOS ANGELES HISTORICAL MONUMENT

General Information
what you need
to know

Sights & Sounds
celebrate
cultural diversity

Tourism
enjoy museums
& colorful Olvera Street

History & Education
discover living history
at L.A.’s birthplace

Site Usage
filming opportunities

SIQUEIROS MURAL PROJECT

Siqueiros, 1970's

In 1932, two years following the opening of Olvera Street, prominent Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros during his six-month stay in Los Angeles painted a mural entitled América Tropical on the south wall of the Italian Hall where the Plaza Art Center was located. The 18 x 80 foot masterpiece allegorically depicts the struggle of indigenous cultures against imperialism. Its central figure is a crucified indigenous peasant tied to a double cross while an American eagle—a symbol of U.S. imperialism—perches menacingly above. In the background, a crumbling Mayan pyramid overrun by vegetation, signifies the destruction of indigenous cultures, as the figures of an armed Peruvian peasant and a Mexican farmer crouch on a wall, ready to defend themselves. Controversial since its unveiling, América Tropical was entirely painted over by 1938. A historic partnership between the City of Los Angeles and Getty will allow for the construction of a viewing platform and interpretive center so that the public may once again enjoy one of the city’s most-prized artistic treasures.

During conservation, a same size likeness of the mural is being displayed on a banner over the original and is visible from Olvera Street.

Mural being conserved