Miami, Jan. 13, 2025 – Miami Dade College (MDC)’s Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) in collaboration with the Celia Cruz Foundation presents “Celia Cruz: Work,” a special exhibit celebrating the centennial of Cuba’s “Queen of Salsa.” The exhibition will run from Jan. 15 – Feb. 15 at MDC Hialeah Campus’ Art Gallery and is free and open to the public.
The exhibit features photographs, video footage, posters, wigs and gowns worn by Cruz, who passed away in 2003. It is an homage to her artistic journey and her tireless commitment to her audiences, whom she loved to make “dance until dawn.” Cruz’ 100th birthday coincides with the centennial of the City of Hialeah and MDC’s National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower, a storied location with deep connections to Miami’s Cuban community.
Born in 1925 in Havana, Cuba, Cruz first made a name for herself as the iconic voice of La Sonora Matancera. She fled Cuba’s communist regime in 1960 and became an international sensation as a solo artist performing around the world. Known for her bold, emotional performances, Cruz embraced her Cuban heritage. She once stated, “In exile, I have learned to be Cuban in a way that might not have been possible if I had stayed in Cuba. I think being an exile has taught me to love my country even more.”
“Celia Cruz: Work” will open with a lecture followed by a celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Student Services Lobby.
For more information about the exhibition, please contact Andrea Forero at aforero@mdc.edu.
WHAT: MOAD in Collaboration with the Celia Cruz Foundation presents “Celia Cruz: Work”
WHEN: Jan. 15 – Feb. 15 | Gallery hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Opening Celebration: Wednesday, Jan. 15, starting at 9 a.m.
WHERE: MDC Hialeah Campus Art Gallery, 1776 W. 49th Street