Exhibition will Celebrate Famed Astrologer’s Life and be on Display August 2, 2019 through August 25, 2019
HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is proud to present Mucho, Mucho Amor: 50 Years of Walter Mercado, the first public exhibition celebrating the life of beloved Latino astrologer and pop culture icon, Walter Mercado.
Raised in the sugarcane fields of Puerto Rico, Mercado grew up to become a gender non-conforming, cape-wearing, psychic astrologer whose televised horoscopes reached 120 million Latino viewers a day for more than 30 years.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of his first show, HistoryMiami Museum will give visitors an up-close and personal look at Mercado’s costumes, mementos, and ephemera through the decades. The exhibition will include exclusive pieces worn during his early years as a TV entertainer in Puerto Rico, Latin America and the United States, on display for the first time ever. The exhibition will feature 12 of his famous capes, including one worn during the Puerto Rican pride parade in New York City, which was later worn by Broadway star and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda.
As one of the world’s most famous astrologers, Walter Mercado is a part of the cultural zeitgeist for Latinos and remains a popular figure that transcends generations. At the epicenter of his professional career, Mercado lived, worked and recorded many of his television shows, and radio programs in Miami. For many years, he contributed and was known for his daily horoscope column in El Nuevo Herald.
“We are excited to share the story of Walter Mercado here at HistoryMiami. So many of us grew up with the Puerto Rican icon in our living rooms as we listened to his predictions on television, and now his legacy will be shared on the walls of our museum for everyone to experience,” said Jorge Zamanillo, Executive Director of HistoryMiami Museum.
Walter Mercado will host a media preview at HistoryMiami Museum on July 31, 2019, and a private opening reception on August 1. The exhibition will open to the public at 10 a.m. on August 2, 2019.
The stars will also align for astrology fans on August 3, 2019, as on this day Walter Mercado will host a special talk at the museum. Tickets to this exclusive event are limited. Visit historymiami.org to purchase tickets.
“I am very excited and honored for this exhibition at HistoryMiami honoring important moments in my life and career. It has been my pleasure to share my message of love and peace with my fans for over 50 years and I am glad that I can now share some of my wardrobe, jewelry and artifacts with you all for the first time ever in a museum. After my homeland of Puerto Rico, Miami has been the most important city in my life and career. Miami has been a second home where I have lived and worked for many decades and a crucial place in the trajectory of sharing my message with global audiences. This moment is a great homecoming. I’m excited to share it with you all and I hope you’ll leave the museum feeling mucha paz y amor,” Mercado said.
Mucho, Mucho Amor: 50 Years of Walter Mercado will run August 2, 2019, through August 25, 2019.
For more information contact Michele Reese, HistoryMiami Museum Marketing Director, at MReese@HistoryMiami.org. HistoryMiami Museum is located at 101 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130.
Museum Hours and Fees:
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-5:00 p.m.; Monday, closed. Regular museum admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students with ID, $5 for children 6-12 and free for museum members and children under 6.
