🖼️ WALK PILSEN’S PAINTED STREETS: A MURAL TOUR WITH LUIS TUBENS! 🎨

🖼️ WALK PILSEN’S PAINTED STREETS: A MURAL TOUR WITH LUIS TUBENS! 🎨

🌟 Explore Chicago’s Colorful Mexican American Neighborhood Through Art, Culture & Local Stories!

Join us for one of our favorite walking tours of the season! 🍂 Spend a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon exploring the vibrant murals, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating stories that make Pilsen one of Chicago’s most distinctive neighborhoods.

✨ Discover the incredible public art of Pilsen on a guided walking tour with local artist and storyteller Luis Tubens!

This is a special outing organized by Giovina and 1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die. **I am not the tour guide!** We have hired an experienced local expert, Luis Tubens, to lead our group and share his firsthand knowledge of Pilsen, its murals, artists, history, and community. You're in good hands!

⚠️ NEW ROUTE THIS YEAR! Even if you've joined us before, you'll discover fresh murals, different perspectives, and new surprises!

📅 Sunday, November 15, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Starts & Ends at: Lozano Branch, Chicago Public Library
1805 S. Loomis Street, Chicago, IL 60608
💰 Cost: $25 per person
Cash preferred; Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal accepted.
🚶‍♀️ Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles outdoors.
🎨 What to Expect: A 120-minute walking tour covering the highest concentration of murals in the Midwest, discussing the art's political and social role and local gentrification.

📸 This isn't simply a photo walk — it's an opportunity to learn the stories behind the art, the artists, and the community. Bring your camera because you'll definitely want to capture some of these incredible works!

Our focus will be on murals along 18th Street and the surrounding neighborhood, with stops and route details subject to change.

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🎨 SOME OF THE MURALS WE MAY SEE
Stops and selections are subject to change depending on the route and conditions.

🐛 Gulliver in Wonderland
Created by Mexican-born artist Hector Duarte, this iconic mural wraps around his home and personal studio. Its imaginative imagery offers a powerful commentary on immigration, identity, and the immigrant experience.

🇺🇸 Declaration of Immigration
A prominent 18th Street landmark celebrating the roots, heritage, and contributions of immigrant families. The mural reflects the important role immigration has played in shaping Pilsen and its community.

🎨 Increíbles Las Cosas Q’ Se Ven
Painted by Jeff Zimmerman, this monumental mural features striking, hyperrealistic portraits and visual storytelling connected to human migration.

❤️ Pilsen Wall of Honor
Completed by Jeff Maldonado in 2017, this meaningful work commemorates victims of neighborhood violence and stands as a tribute to community resilience and remembrance.

🚆 The 16th Street Murals
Explore the remarkable railroad embankment mural corridor, featuring approximately 50 or more works by local and international artists. Created through the Art in Public Places Initiative, this colorful stretch includes works by artists such as Sam Kirk and Hebru Brantley.

🎶 Musician Murals
Discover neighborhood tributes to beloved musical icons, including Mexican singer Joan Sebastian and Tejano superstar Selena.

Please note: We may not visit every mural listed above. The final selection depends on the route and available time.

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🎤 MEET YOUR GUIDE: LUIS TUBENS
This tour is led by Luis Tubens, a lifelong Pilsen resident, local artist, educator, and passionate storyteller.

Luis is the co-founder of Pilsen Public Art Tours and has led thousands of visitors through the neighborhood's remarkable public art collection.
His background includes:

• Former educator at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
• Former outreach coordinator for Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” García.
• Studied under legendary muralist José Guerrero.
• Lifelong Pilsen resident with firsthand knowledge of the neighborhood and its artistic community.

Luis brings a unique perspective to the tour, connecting the artwork to the people, history, politics, and social movements that have shaped Pilsen.

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🌆 ABOUT PILSEN
Just minutes from downtown Chicago, Pilsen is bursting with color, creativity, music, and culture.

Once home to Czech immigrants and named after the Czech city of Plzeň, the neighborhood transformed during the 1960s as Mexican American families made Pilsen their home.

Today, Pilsen is recognized as one of Chicago's most culturally rich and expressive communities.

Its murals are more than beautiful works of public art. They tell stories of Mexican identity, immigration, labor, activism, family, political struggles, and community pride.

Pilsen is also home to award-winning restaurants, iconic music venues, galleries, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
The neighborhood was even named one of Forbes' 12 Coolest Neighborhoods Around the World!

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👟 WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Water bottle.
• Weather-appropriate clothing — we're outdoors for approximately two hours.
• Smartphone or camera for photographs.
• $25 tour payment — cash strongly preferred; Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal accepted.

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🍽️ OPTIONAL POST-TOUR LUNCH
After our walk, join us for lunch at one of these nearby Pilsen favorites! It's a great opportunity to relax, enjoy some delicious food, and continue the afternoon with fellow art, history, and neighborhood enthusiasts.
🌮 5 Rabanitos – Mexican classics with a modern twist
📍 1758 W. 18th Street
🌐 https://5rabanitos.com
🍸 Pochos – Tacos, cocktails, and Mexican street food
📍 1330 W. 18th Street
🌐 https://pochoschicago.com
🥩 Cantón Regio – Rustic Mexican steakhouse featuring wood-grilled meats
📍 1510 W. 18th Street
🌐 https://cantonregiochicago.com
Restaurant choice will be determined closer to the date.
💵 PLEASE BRING CASH IF JOINING US FOR LUNCH! Some restaurants do not accommodate separate checks, so be prepared to pay your portion appropriately.

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🚇 GETTING THERE
🚂 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!
The Lozano Branch Library is accessible by CTA bus and nearby transit connections.
Please check Google Maps or the CTA Trip Planner for the best route from your location.
👉 https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 DRIVING & PARKING

• Metered parking may be available along 18th Street and nearby commercial streets.
• Free residential side-street parking may be available.
• ⚠️ Check posted signs carefully for residential permit restrictions and time limits.

Allow extra time to find parking.

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📝 RSVP & GROUP COURTESY POLICY
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated.
✔️ If your plans change, cancel promptly so someone else can attend.
✔️ Please check in with Giovina at the beginning of the tour.
✔️ Arrive a little early so we can get organized and start on time.
❌ PLEASE DON'T BE A NO-SHOW! Our guides and group activities require advance planning. Repeated no-shows may affect future participation in group activities.

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🌈 WHY VISIT PILSEN?
Pilsen is a neighborhood where art tells a story. From its immigrant roots and Mexican American identity to its powerful expressions of activism, heritage, and community pride, the streets are practically an outdoor museum.

Come discover the artists, hear the stories behind the murals, learn about the neighborhood's changing landscape, and experience Pilsen through the eyes of someone who calls it home.

Be a tourist in your own city — there's always something extraordinary waiting to be discovered! 💕