Gelman Collection bids farewell to Mexico City with protest song

A symbolic farewell was held for the Gelman Collection at the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City, as the exhibition prepares to close and the artworks depart for Europe. The collection, which includes pieces by renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, has attracted over 310,000 visitors since its February inauguration.

A group calling themselves "Defendamos la Colección Gelman" organized a protest, singing the traditional farewell song "Las Golondrinas." The group opposes the collection's management by Fundación Banco Santander in Spain, arguing that the artworks are designated artistic monuments and are vital to Mexico's cultural heritage. They express concern over the export, despite the foundation's announcement that it would administer the collection in Spain starting in 2026.

Cultural journalist Adriana Malvido, a member of the group, stated that the event was a symbolic goodbye, expressing hope that their questions would be answered. Art critic María Minera added that the protest aims to pressure for a commitment that the collection will return to Mexico in 2028 and remain there permanently. The group vows to continue their advocacy until such a guarantee is secured.