Features

Mexico protests state of remaining murals

The Associated Press
Saturday April 21, 2001

SAN FRANCISCO – Five works by Mexican muralist Miguel Covarrubias are destined for storage on Treasure Island, in the middle of San Francisco Bay, over the protest of the Mexican government. 

The murals, measuring up to 15 feet high and 24 feet long, have been on display in San Francisco’s Ferry Building, but were removed during the past two months for renovation of the 101-year-old building. 

The Mexican government wants the five murals restored and displayed, and to have San Francisco Port officials find the sixth mural, which disappeared after being sent to New York City for exhibition and has never been found. 

“I want to express our concern on behalf of the Mexican government about what is happening with these murals,” said Lilia Aguilera, executive director of the Mexican Cultural Institute, affiliated with the Mexican Consulate. “The people from Mexico ask the city of San Francisco to value these pieces of historic art, not only as treasures to the city, but as treasures to the world.” 

Covarrubias, a noted muralist, magazine illustrator and anthropologist, painted the murals for the 1939-40 World’s Fair on Treasure Island. 

They are valued at more than $1 million each and are to be kept in a secure warehouse maintained by San Francisco International Airport on Treasure Island.