Pilsen has developed since the 1990s into one of Chicago's most active artist communities, with studios and galleries concentrated in the former industrial buildings near the elevated rail lines. The second Friday of each month — Pilsen Art Walk — brings galleries open late for a coordinated walking tour, drawing visitors from across the city.
The galleries range from serious commercial operations showing internationally exhibited artists to cooperative spaces run by the resident artist community. The mix of working-class Mexican-American neighbourhood and artist influx has created some tension around gentrification, but also produced an unusual cultural density where murals on the streets comment on the same global art discourse found inside the galleries. L Pink Line to 18th or Damen.