The Dolores Olmedo Museum, after a long hiatus due to the pandemic, opened its doors to the public, but not without controversy. Local residents from Xochimilco, represented by the civil group 'Defendamos el Museo Dolores Olmedo', are raising their voices against what they describe as unjust treatment following their exclusion from the museum's reopening event. Despite registering for access, they were denied entry, which has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

The incident occurred on February 3, 2026, during the 'Semana del Arte', a time when various artistic events take place, featuring the opening of the exhibition 'Horizontes de sentido' by contemporary artist Yaob Vera. The event saw only a select group allowed access, while local residents were left frustrated and feeling unheard, thus igniting protests and demands for equitable access to cultural spaces. Margarita Gonzalez, another spokesperson for the collective, emphasized the importance of public access to such cultural institutions, asserting that they belong to the community.

As the collective prepares to submit a formal complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), the implications of this dispute extend beyond a single event. It raises questions about access to cultural sites, especially for local communities affected by the pandemic. This scenario might lead to broader discussions on the policies governing access to public behaviors and cultural expressions, ultimately aiming for a more inclusive approach in the management of public cultural spaces.