The soul and spirit of the arts and cultures of Mexico and the Americas are forever linked. Through its programs, The Mexican Museum manifests the complexity and richness of Latino art throughout the Americas, encouraging dialogue among the broadest public. Public and educational programs are offered at different venues. The Mexican Museum, initially located in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District, was founded in 1975 by San Francisco resident and artist, Peter Rodríguez. The Museum was the realization of Mr. Rodríguez's vision that an institution be created in the United States to exhibit the aesthetic expression of the Mexican and Mexican-American people. Today, that vision has expanded to reflect the evolving scope of the Mexican, Chicano, and Latino experience. In 1982, the museum moved to Fort Mason Center, where it has amassed a permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects. This spectacular collection is unique in the nation and includes Pre-Conquest, Colonial, Popular, Modern and Contemporary Mexican and Latino, and Chicano Art. In 2001, the museum celebrated the groundbreaking for its permanent home, which will be built in downtown San Francisco's Yerba Buena Arts District. As the staff packs and prepares the Museum's extensive collection for the move, the Museum continues to offer educational and public programming for the community to enjoy. Internationally acclaimed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta designed the Mexican Museum’s new building. Legorreta is known for his signature use of traditional colors and natural light to create geometric forms that are welcoming yet mysterious. The Mexican Museum's permanent home promises to be one of San Francisco's most remarkable architectural treasures, timeless and vibrant.