Celia Cruz’s outfits have been on display at the Smithsonian in years past. But in 2025, through December, you can see them at Leon Medical Centers.
Celia Cruz Estate/Leon Medical Centers photo
Twenty-twenty-five marks the centennial of the birth of one of the most revered Cuban — and indeed, global — musicians of all time: Celia Cruz. To mark the occasion, in the months leading up to the October 21 milestone, the singer’s estate ramped up celebrations to ensure her legacy lives on into the next century. The festivities have included live performances, exhibitions, and even a commemorative quarter that entered circulation last year. (I own one!)
So far, the celebrations have been pretty standard tributes befitting a musical giant. But this month, the singer is getting a more unconventional honor: a traveling exhibition popping up at several Leon Medical Centers, of all places. The exhibition features personal effects and memorabilia that have been shown at the Smithsonian, including her signature colorful wigs and sequined gowns, accessories, awards, and handwritten letters.
If you spent any significant amount of time with your abuelitos growing up, you’re surely familiar with Leon Medical Centers. The healthcare facilities, founded in 1996, cater to Medicare patients in South Florida, including much of Miami’s elderly immigrant population, many of whom hail from Cruz’s motherland. Even if you’ve never taken your abuelo to an appointment there, you’ve likely seen their shuttles on Miami’s streets, too. Through the end of the year, those doctor’s visits might include routine tests and a not-so-routine, up-close look at some of Cruz’s personal effects.
Celia Cruz’s personal effects are on display as part of Leon Medical Centers’ traveling exhibition.
Celia Cruz Estate/Leon Medical Centers photo
“This exhibit is a beautiful way to celebrate Celia’s centennial birthday and share her story with fans old and new,” said Omer Pardillo-Cid, Executor of the Celia Cruz Estate, in a statement announcing the exhibition before it opened in Homestead. “Her music and her spirit continue to inspire generations of people around the world, and this collection offers a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary woman whose impact will never fade.”
The exhibition debuted at Leon’s Homestead location on October 4 and will remain on display there through October 25. From there, it will travel north to Miami, at 7950 NW Second St., where it will be on display from November 1 through 29. After that, the exhibition will travel to 445 E. 25th St., Hialeah, where it will be on display from December 1 to December 27.
If you’re not taking your abuelita for a check-up anytime soon, you can also check out the 48-episode video series Leon published online in partnership with Cruz’s estate. You can find the complete digital collection at CeliaCruzAtLeon.com.