This time of year is very special for the culture and traditions of the Latino community; in this September month, several Latin American countries celebrate the commemoration of their independence. With this, Hispanic Heritage Month begins, which honors the achievements of our people in this country.
That is why, for this celebration, Discovery Green park will host the exhibition “Fantastic Animals from Mexico: Alebrijes and Nahuales” (Animales fantásticos de México: alebrijes y nahuales), a temporary public art installation presenting eight towering sculptures of 20 feet in height, inspired by Mexican magical realism and Mesoamerican folklore. The exhibit will be open to the public at this downtown park from Tuesday, September 15 to Sunday, October 18.
“The exhibition is a magnificent representation of Discovery Green’s commitment to bringing world-class art to Houston and making it accessible to everyone,” said Kathryn Lott, president of Discovery Green Conservancy.
“The installation is also the perfect way to kick off the autumn programming at Discovery Green, including our Hispanic Heritage Month festivities, such as ‘Mexico in the Heart’.”
“Fantastic Animals from Mexico: Alebrijes and Nahuales” will be an exhibition full of color and tradition at Discovery Green Park. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Designed and created by Mexican artists, these sculptures in vibrant colors represent powerful guardian animal spirits rooted in Mesoamerican folklore. Inspired by the work of Mexico City artist Pedro Linares, who is credited with popularizing the fantastical creatures known as alebrijes, each sculpture is a large-scale reproduction of an original work created by a renowned Oaxaca-based artist.
The exhibition celebrates the exceptional artisanal mastery of Mexican artists and highlights the enduring cultural ties between Mexico and Houston. From fantastical creatures to powerful animal figures, each sculpture offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stories, traditions, and symbolism present in Mexican folk art.
In parallel with the exhibition, Discovery Green will offer two free, hands-on workshops designed to bring children of all ages closer to the creativity and traditions of Mexican folk art.
The eight sculptures include:
“Armadillo” by Margarito Melchor: Protected yet accessible, the armadillo features a shell full of vibrant patterns.
“Gato-pájaro” by Leonardo Linares: A fantastical fusion of feline grace and the flight of birds; this figure perches as if ready to leap toward the sky.
“Nahual felino” by Angelico Jiménez: Inspired by the nahual, a mythical shapeshifter in Mesoamerican folklore, it combines mystical energy with feline elegance.
“Coyote” by Efraín Fuentes: Inspired by Zapotec motifs found in Monte Albán, this coyote, proud and alert, seems ready to guard the night.
“Perro” by Adrián Xuana: Known as the “death dog,” this skeletal canine represents the journey of the soul to the underworld.
“Alien Feliz” by Constantino Blas: With a smile as wide as the Milky Way, the Happy Alien invites joy and curiosity.
“León-Toro” by Leonardo Linares: Half king of the jungle and half beast of the field, the León-Toro conveys strength and stability.
“Conejo” by María Jiménez: Sweet yet full of energy, the rabbit appears surrounded by butterflies and delicately painted flowers.
Workshops will be led by the Mexican papier-mâché artist and folk art creator Irving Mondragón Laguna.
- Papier-mâché masks: Saturday September 19, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Small alebrijes: Saturday September 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
The Exhibition
Title: Fantastic Animals from Mexico: Alebrijes and Nahuales
When: September 15 to October 18, 2026
Where: Discovery Green (1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010)
Admission: Free
More information: www.discoverygreen.com
