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Alebrijes and Nahuales

Art installation coming to Downtown Albuquerque June 1 - July 17, 2026.

The Albuquerque Public Art Program is proud to present Fantastic Animals from Mexico: Alebrijes and Nahuales, a temporary touring exhibit of monumental sculptures inspired by Mexican magical realism. Currently on a nationwide tour, the exhibition pays tribute to Mexican artisans' exceptional craftsmanship and celebrates Mexico's rich cultural legacy.

Alebrijes and Nahuales includes installations standing 20 feet tall, eight lighted sculptures will be placed along Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque, near Central Avenue and the 8th Street roundabout; display of the smaller-scale sculptures that inspired the large-scale replicas; as well as community workshops where children and adults may learn these traditional Mexican crafts through hands-on activities.

Alebrijes and Nahuales is part of the City Brights program and will be on display from June 1 through July 17, 2026, captivating visitors both day and night. 

Learn more about Fantastic Animals from Mexico: Alebrijes and Nahuales at fantasticanimalsfrommexico.com.

More details and information coming soon!

Large-Scale Alebrijes and Nahuales

When: June 1 - July 17, 2026

Where: Along Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque, near Central Avenue and the 8th Street roundabout

Stylized map of downtown Albuquerque and Robinson Park with 8 alebrijes sculptures.

The Alebrijes and Nahuales installations in Downtown Albuquerque include eight sculptures, standing 20 feet tall. These sculptures are reproductions of original carved wooden works by recognized local artists from various communities. 

Check out each of these sculptures to learn more about the background and meaning of these impressive works. 

Alebrijes

  • The Happy Alien by Constantino Blas
  • The Armadillo by Margarito Melchor
  • The Coyote by Efrain Fuentes
  • The Rabbit by Maria Jimenez
  • The Dog by Adrian Xuana
  • The LionBull by Leonardo Linares
  • The CatBird by Leonardo Linares
  • The CatNahual by Angelico Jimenez

City Hall Alebrijes Exhibition

When: June 1 - July 17, 2026 during City Hall open hours

Where: Albuquerque City Hall, 1 Civic Plaza NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

An accompanying exhibit of smaller Alebrijes and Nahuales representing each showcased artists' work will be on display at City Hall.