[Columbus, Georgia 6/3/2026] Experience the rich history and iconography of La Calavera Catrina through colorful and joyful large-scale skeleton sculptures on display at Columbus Botanical Garden. Discover nine eight-foot-tall sculptures created by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero placed among the living galleries of the gardens. Organized by Denver Botanic Gardens, the exhibition is on view from June 26th through November 9th, and is included with general admission.

Depicted as an elegant female skeleton, La Catrina was originally born out of Mexican social satire. In 1913, Mexican artist and illustrator José Guadalupe Posada created the very first version of La Catrina. She was intended as a parody, mocking the high-society European obsessions of Mexican president Porfirio Díaz, whose corruption led to the Mexican Revolution of 1911. La Catrina remains a light-hearted and well-loved part of Mexican culture. Visitors to this exhibition will explore popular La Catrina iconography including Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo; Mexican actress, Maria Felix; Mictēcacihuātl, the Aztec queen of the underworld, and more. Signage accompanying the sculptures explains the history and context of La Catrina iconography in both Spanish and English.

About the Artist:
Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Ricardo Soltero is the set designer for the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the United States, which takes place annually at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. Both a sculptor and a costume designer, Soltero’s projects include works and design for Semblanza Latinoamericana dance and music festival, Metropolitan Fashion Week, UNICEF’s annual gala and the Autry Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

La Calavera Catrina themed events will be happening all throughout the exhibition period at the Garden.

Learn More at columbusbotanicalgarden.org

Garden Admission:
Adults: $12
Children (2-17): $8
Ages 0-1: Free entry
CBG Members: Free entry

La Calavera Catrina is sponsored by Nora and Gardiner Garrard and Alfac.

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About Columbus Botanical Garden:
Columbus Botanical Garden celebrates the beauty, inspiration, and wonder of the natural world, educating current and future stewards of its care and is dedicated to fostering a love for nature and sustainability through its beautiful landscapes, educational programs, and community initiatives. Open to all, the Garden serves as a green sanctuary for visitors, promoting the importance of environmental stewardship, community learning and partnerships, and equitable access to green spaces.

Image credits (below), courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens
Ricardo Soltero, La vendedora de frutas, fiberglass and paint, 2017. Photo © Scott Dressel-Martin