Alebrijes Adventure

Alebrijes Adventure: The Imagined Animals of Fernando Escartiz

Large alebrije sculpture of a boy at a piano.

Large colorful sculpture of an axolotl alebrije.

Photo of the Pavilion at CuriOdyssey. It is a semi-outdoor space. In the photo there are 2 large sculptures: One of an arch woven out of branches and an axolotl suspended from the roof. Each piece is multicolored and vibrant.

Photo op that is of a sugar skull wall. There are 4 open spaces where people can place their head so they look like part of the skull wall. Each scull is colorful with different colors accentuating the eyes.

Sculpture of a large monarch butterfly suspended on the roof of the Pavilion at CuriOdyssey.

The octopus alebrije suspended on the roof of CuriOdyssey to the right of the entrance. The sculpture is large and multicolored.

Alebrije Statue of a bed with roots. It is suspended on the roof of the Pavilion.

Hummingbird arch placed under the Pavilion at the entrance of the Nature Story Garden. The arch is sculpted to look like bent branches and has hummingbirds all accross the top.

Alebrije sculpture of a tortoise. It is multicolored and with wings.

Alebrije sculpture of an owl on a perch. This piece is multicolored.

2 multicolored Alebrije sculptures of an elephant and a frog.

Elephant Alebrije sculpture. This is of an elephant with wings.

Up close image of the frog alebrije. It is multicolored, has monarch butterfly wings, and has its tongue out.

Sculpture of Pedro linares seated at the center of CuriOdyssey's animal ofrenda to celebrate Dia de los Muertos

On view October 2026 · Free with admission

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Exhibit Details

Dates: October 2–18, 2026 (select pieces remain through Día de los Muertos)
Price: Free with admission

Meet the Alebrijes

Wander our campus to discover sculptures by Fernando Escartiz, created especially for CuriOdyssey. Alebrijes are fantastical, brightly painted creatures born from Mexican folk art. Alongside monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and sea creatures, they celebrate the animals who stay in our hearts long after they're gone. Pick up a guide at the front desk to learn more about each sculpture. Remember to look up, down, and all around!

Keep your eyes peeled for:

A Giant Monarch. During Día de los Muertos, monarchs are associated with the returning souls of loved ones.
The Hummingbird Arch. In Mexican tradition, hummingbirds are messengers of love, hope, and connection to those who have passed.
An Axolotl Alebrije. Mexico's extraordinary salamander stands for renewal, resilience, and protecting the natural world.
An Octopus Alebrije with curling tentacles and vivid colors celebrating the mysteries of marine life.
A Frog surrounded by Monarch Butterflies, evoking transformation and migration.
An Owl and Turtle, a Flying Fish, and an Alebrije with a Piano.
A tribute to Pedro Linares, the Mexican artist who created the very first alebrijes.
A Bed with Roots, reminding us that we stay connected to those who came before us.
The Tzompantli Photo Booth. Step inside and become part of the exhibit!
Spoiler: You might see some surprises as you explore the campus!

Don't miss your chance to explore the Día de los Muertos celebration and the wonderful world of alebrijes! Sculptures are on view October 2–18, and a few will stay on campus through Día de los Muertos.

About the Artist

Fernando Escartiz is a Mexican-born artist and sculptor whose work combines imagination, cultural tradition, and storytelling. Through Escartiz Studio, he creates large-scale sculptures, installations, and colorful alebrijes inspired by Mexican heritage, nature, and the magical connection between the visible and spiritual worlds.

About Casa Círculo Cultural

Casa Círculo Cultural is a grassroots, community-based multidisciplinary art organization. It creates bilingual arts, cultural, and educational programming reflecting the experiences of San Francisco Bay Area Latino communities.

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