UNAM to bring 15 free cultural and educational events to El Pueblo each year, open its library to the public, and invest in the renovation of the historic Sepúlveda House's vacant second floor as its new Los Angeles home.
LOS ANGELES — The City of Los Angeles’ Commission that oversees El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, including landmark Olvera Street, approved the terms for a lease that would bring the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) to the downtown Los Angeles campus. This partnership was spearheaded by Mayor Karen Bass and the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, led by Consul General Carlos González Gutiérrez.
UNAM would offer programming to the public, including 15 free cultural and educational events annually at El Pueblo, and make its library available to the public for free. As part of its relocation, the university will fund the renovation of the vacant second floor of the preserved Sepulveda House, bringing the space back into use for UNAM’s Los Angeles offices.
The partnership is also expected to bring new activity and visitors to El Pueblo, supporting the historic district's merchants and small businesses while strengthening downtown Los Angeles as a destination for culture, education and commerce.
This is part of Mayor Bass’ greater efforts to re-energize downtown Los Angeles and El Pueblo, activate its historic spaces and support the businesses and communities that make the area a thriving cultural and commercial hub. The partnership with UNAM awaits final approval from the City Council.
The El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is a vibrant marketplace and a living museum that marks the birthplace of the city, celebrating the Native American, African American, Spanish, Anglo, Mexican, Chinese, Italian and cultures that contributed to its early history. It is an important cultural and historical destination for those visiting Los Angeles.
“El Pueblo connects Angelenos to the history and culture of our city,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “UNAM’s move to El Pueblo will give new life to the historic Sepúlveda House and offer free events where people can gather and learn. I welcome the university’s investment as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and I look forward to working with Councilmember Ysabel Jurado and the City Council to finalize the partnership.”
“Thank you for welcoming us to your home. We are committed to being an active partner on the campus, as we work together to honor the legacy of La Placita Olvera and strengthen its connection with Latinos across Los Angeles,” said Director of UNAM-LA, Héctor Zavala Guzmán.
“I began my diplomatic career here, when the Mexican Consulate was located at El Pueblo. Since my arrival, I have worked to re-establish the Mexican presence at the historic heart of Los Angeles. During the World Cup we hosted Casa México, adjacent to El Pueblo at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, an event that attracted thousands of Mexican, Mexican Americans and Angelinos to El Pueblo. We celebrate that Mexico's iconic public university is establishing its presence in the city's founding site,” said Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez.
“There is no better place for UNAM to bring its legacy of publicly accessible, world-class education than El Pueblo. This partnership will ensure that the birthplace of our city continues to be a testament to our resilient history, commitment to growth, and proud cultural roots. As we continue to celebrate our historic spaces while driving transformative growth, this partnership will help ensure that these investments reach the small businesses, workers, and families who keep our communities connected and vibrant. I look forward to advancing this partnership with the City Council and welcoming UNAM to a new home in Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado.
“This is historic! Welcoming UNAM, a world-leading institution, to El Pueblo, the birthplace of LA and heart of our city, is deeply inspiring. It permanently roots a world-class university where LA began, celebrating the intellectual, cultural and historic soul that connects us,” said Commission President, Liliana Perez.
“This is an exciting day for El Pueblo, partnering with UNAM enhances our culturally significant campus, expands educational and cultural opportunities for the City, and strengthens Los Angeles’ connection as a global cultural bridge. More investments of this magnitude to come,” said General Manager of El Pueblo Domenika Lynch.