Las Calaveras at Republic Square Ribbon Cutting

The Mexic-Arte Museum has partnered with the Mexico City-based Colectivo Última Hora to create four large-scale fiberglass skulls that have been painted by four Austin-based artists: Ruben Esquivel, NIZ, Carmen Rangel, and Ryan Runcie. These artists have created imagery relating to Republic Square’s history, a central point for the city’s diverse communities. This space has hosted pivotal moments in Texas history, city celebrations, and day-to-day commerce. It continues to serve as a gathering place for community events, standing as an active park that connects modern-day Austin with its past. Through Las Calaveras de Republic Square, we acknowledge and highlight the Mexican, Mexican American, and Black communities, as well as the Tonkawa tribe.

The Colectivo Ultima Hora is a renowned group of Mexican artists well-known for the large scale monumental parade sculptures for the Dia de los Muertos parade in Mexico City.