Museo del Westside Grand Opening

The Museo del Westside is the realization of a dream sparked by the Westside community’s fight to preserve our neighborhoods. For years, the loss of historic buildings and our cultural way of life threatened the heart of our barrio. After the struggle to save La Gloria in 2002, community members formed the Corazones del Westside. They began gathering stories, nurturing a vision for a place that would honor our history. That vision found its home in 2008 when Esperanza acquired Ruben’s Ice House. Built by the hard work of hundreds of contributors—from historians and architects to countless neighbors donating photos and artifacts—the Museo is a true community achievement. It is a testament to the fact that our culture and history will endure!

Confirmed speakers include Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and Councilwoman Teri Castillo, alongside retired professor Tomás Ybarra Frausto, the honorable María Antonietta Berriozábal, members of the Museo’s advisory committee and singer Blanquita Rodriguez. The morning’s ceremonies will be emceed by La Chata Noelesca, a character brought to life by educator and performer Rita Urquijo-Ruiz.