Sin Censura: A Mural Remembers L.A.

“This was my chance to show what I wish was in the history books.” 
—Chicana artist Barbara Carrasco

left side of sin censura mural

General Info

This exhibition is no longer on view

In 1981, artist Barbara Carrasco was commissioned by Los Angeles's Community Redevelopment Agency to paint a mural about the history of Los Angeles. She completed the  80-foot-long painting called L.A. History: A Mexican Perspectivebut was asked to remove scenes deemed too controversial. Carrasco refused, and the mural went into storage. Decades later, the full length of the mural is finally on display for the public.

All content is provided in English and Spanish. Todo el contenido está disponible en inglés y español.

Visitors look at a label in front of the mrual

Visitors in front of L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective.

Artist Barbara Carrasco speaks at the opening of Sin Censura

Artist Barbara Carrasco speaks at the opening of Sin Censura.

Detail of mural showing Japanese internment camps and young Japanese girl with her possession

© Barbara Carrasco. Courtesy of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes/California Historical Society

Mural detail depicting Japanese incarceration during World War II.

Visitors using digital interactive in Sin Censura exhibition

Visitors learn more about the history of Gabrieleño/Tongva people in the Los Angeles region.

Mural detailing depicting famous Angelenos

© Barbara Carrasco. Courtesy of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes/California Historical Society

Mural detail depicting famous Angelenos.

Mural detail of the Mexican American war

© Barbara Carrasco. Courtesy of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes/California Historical Society

Mural detail depicting the Mexican American War.

Photo of Barbara Carrasco's mural, L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, installed in the gallery

Get up close to this stunning and important work.

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Visitors in front of L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective.

Artist Barbara Carrasco speaks at the opening of Sin Censura.

Mural detail depicting Japanese incarceration during World War II.

© Barbara Carrasco. Courtesy of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes/California Historical Society

Visitors learn more about the history of Gabrieleño/Tongva people in the Los Angeles region.

Mural detail depicting famous Angelenos.

© Barbara Carrasco. Courtesy of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes/California Historical Society

Mural detail depicting the Mexican American War.

© Barbara Carrasco. Courtesy of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes/California Historical Society

Get up close to this stunning and important work.

Along the way, you'll:
 

  • Find out why the mural was censored and how the artist, Barbara Carrasco, fought back.
  • Dive deeper into the history of L.A. by reading stories about each of the mural’s 51 scenes.
  • Feel immersed in the artwork as you walk into a gallery where the mural spans floor to ceiling.