Students' Push Leads to New Latino History Exhibit in Chicago

High school students helped shape the Aqui en Chicago exhibit at a local museum.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A group of high school students in Chicago successfully advocated for changes to a planned exhibit on Latino culture, resulting in the new Aqui en Chicago exhibit that is now open. Typically, museum curators and leadership make decisions about exhibits, but in this case, the students' push for a more inclusive and representative display led to a collaborative process with the museum.

Why it matters

The students' advocacy highlights the power that community members, especially young people, can have in shaping cultural institutions and ensuring they accurately reflect the diversity of the local population. This is an important example of how museums can engage with the public to create exhibits that are more representative and meaningful.

The details

The students, from a local high school, felt that the original planned exhibit did not adequately capture the breadth and depth of Latino culture and history in Chicago. They organized, met with museum leadership, and proposed changes to the exhibit's content and approach. The museum agreed to collaborate with the students, incorporating their feedback and ideas into the final Aqui en Chicago exhibit that is now open to the public.

  • The original exhibit was planned before the students got involved.
  • The students began advocating for changes in late 2025.
  • The new Aqui en Chicago exhibit opened in February 2026.

The players

Aqui en Chicago

The new exhibit at a local Chicago museum that highlights Latino culture and history in the city, developed through a collaborative process with high school students.

Local high school students

A group of students who advocated for changes to a planned exhibit on Latino culture, ultimately leading to the creation of the new Aqui en Chicago exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted an exhibit that truly reflected our community and our stories. Working with the museum, we were able to make that happen.”

— Alejandra Gonzalez, High school student (NPR)

“Listening to the students and incorporating their perspectives was crucial to creating an exhibit that resonates with the local Latino population.”

— Maria Sanchez, Museum curator (NPR)

What’s next

The museum plans to continue working with the students and the local community to ensure the Aqui en Chicago exhibit remains relevant and representative over time.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of community engagement, especially among young people, to shape cultural institutions and ensure they accurately reflect the diversity of the local population. It's an inspiring example of how museums can collaborate with the public to create more inclusive and meaningful exhibits.