Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center debuts renovated facility

Over a decade after its launch, Austin City Council formally passed plans for phase two of the center's expansion. The plan included a vision to extend the center with classrooms, a new gallery and performance space, landscaping and a sculpture garden.

The features

The newly-debuted phase two features new music rehearsal spaces, renovations to performance spaces, classrooms, galleries, teaching kitchen, landscaping and gathering spaces, according to the center.

The celebration

The community celebrated the facility’s grand reopening, with a family friendly event on June 6: Juntos de Nuevo. The event featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, guided tours, food trucks, art exhibits, performances and an artisan market.

Check it out

Community members can now visit the space, attend a program, book a guided tour or see the exhibits on show. The weekly cumbia classes have been especially popular, Olivia Tamzarian, marketing representative for Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment said. The beginner-friendly dance classes take place every Monday from June 8-July 27.

There are currently three visual art exhibits on show—all are free and open to the public. Locals can see Mitote: Amigos Gathering. Selections from the Gilberto Cardenas & Dolores Carillo Garcia Collection, Loteriafest: Paintings by Courtney Enriquez and Belleza en el Trabajo: Temporary Mural by Armin Alaniz.

Visitors can park in the center’s designated parking lot for free, according to Tamzarian; front desk staff will provide parking passes.

• Opened June 6
• 600 River St., Austin
• www.austintexas.gov/macc