The Mexican Cultural Institute was established in 1992 as a result of the success of the exhibition: “Mexico: Splendors of Thirty Centuries” held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City in 1990. Since its creation, the Mexican Cultural Institute (MCI) has become the cornerstone of Mexican cultural and artistic expression in New York City. Throughout these past years, the focused leadership of its staff and Board has contributed to significantly broaden the scope and reach of its activities.

The Mexican Cultural Institute of New York is a branch of the Mexican Consulate and a non-profit organization that works in collaboration with other New York based cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, publishing houses and universities, in order to accomplish its two essential missions:

To further a greater awareness of Mexico's rich cultural legacy among the audiences of the United States.
To contribute to the well-being of the members of the Mexican community in New York by celebrating Mexican traditions and by providing it with education and language programs.