Candor Electric recently completed electrical work supporting new artist spaces at the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, contributing to improvements designed to enhance the experience of performers and visiting artists. The project included the development of two new green rooms, providing dedicated behind-the-scenes spaces where performers can prepare before taking the stage. Candor Electric completed the electrical infrastructure serving the new spaces, including lighting and electrical accommodations for mirrors and private bathrooms. While largely out of public view, these improvements represent an important part of creating a professional performing arts environment—one that supports artists before, during and after a performance.
The National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the country’s most prominent cultural institutions dedicated to Mexican art and culture. Established in 1982, NMMA hosts one of the country’s largest Mexican art collections with over 22,000 pieces from ancient Mexico to present day. Its exhibitions and programs celebrate Mexican cultural expression while providing arts education and community programming throughout Chicago. The Museum reports serving more than 150,000 visitors annually, with admission remaining free. The green room improvements come as NMMA undertakes a broader modernization of its performing arts facilities. The Museum announced in April 2026 that its West Wing renovation is part of an approximately $5 million initiative planned between 2026 and 2028 to improve facilities for artists, audiences and community organizations. The larger vision includes improvements to the stage, seating, audio-visual systems, technical capabilities and artist support areas. Plans specifically call for adaptable areas to become dressing rooms, along with new bathrooms and a shower to better accommodate performers and visiting artists.
For cultural and performing arts facilities, some of the most important infrastructure is never seen by the audience. Green rooms and other back-of-house spaces need to provide performers with the lighting, power, privacy and amenities necessary to prepare comfortably and efficiently. Incorporating those requirements into an existing facility requires careful coordination so new electrical systems integrate successfully with the building and support the intended use of each space. Candor Electric’s work on the two new green rooms is a good example of how renovation and modernization projects can improve the functionality of an established Chicago property without changing what makes the institution distinctive. It is also representative of Candor Electric’s broader experience working within existing facilities where electrical improvements must accommodate new uses, modern technology and evolving operational requirements.
The Museum’s larger renovation has received significant community support. In April, the Bayless Family Foundation, founded by Rick and Deann Bayless, announced a $1 million gift toward transformation of the West Wing performing arts space. The renovated venue will be known as the Foro de Artes Bayless and is intended to provide a professional platform for local and emerging Mexican performing artists as well as community organizations. For Candor Electric, contributing to the improvements at the National Museum of Mexican Art represents another opportunity to put its electrical construction expertise to work for a facility that plays an important role in Chicago’s cultural landscape and helps build better communities. From highly visible public spaces to the critical infrastructure behind the scenes, thoughtful electrical modernization helps established Chicago institutions adapt their facilities for the people, technology and experiences they need to support today—and well into the future.
Learn more and support the National Museum of Mexican Art at www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
