Selena mural unveiled for upcoming Grammy exhibition

A new mural honoring the life, professional career and legacy of Latin music superstar Selena Quintanilla was unveiled outside the Grammy Museum in Downtown Los Angeles. 

The mural, painted by Long Beach-based Mexican American artist Daniel Toledo, artistically known as Mister Toledo, is meant to go hand-in-hand with the museum's upcoming exhibition “Selena: From Texas to the World,” opening January 15, 2026.

The mural

The approximately 10-foot mural was created in partnership with Creative Class Collective, a Long Beach arts nonprofit, and the Grammy Museum. 

Mister Toledo said that when he received the call about painting the mural, he was in disbelief. “I couldn’t believe it,” he told CALÓ News. “I had to sit down. For me, being a Latino artist and being able to paint one of the biggest Latino icons, it’s amazing.”

Mister Toledo took five days to paint the entire mural. He was onsite every day from December 3 through December 8, where he took the Creative Class Collective and Grammy Museum team pointers and ideas and then began painting for various hours a day. 

Mister Toledo said he wanted to make sure the mural transmitted a message of tribute to Selena’s influence. He drew on intimate family-provided imagery and pivotal moments from her career, as well as her passion for fashion. 

“They wanted me to create something to honor her and also exhibit some of the things that she wore and [items] that will be here at the Grammy Museum, like her outfits and other things from her family’s private collection,” he said. 

The legacy

Selena was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas. She ultimately became the number one selling female artist in Latin music history and is acclaimed for hits such as “Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “I Could Fall In Love” and “Dreaming Of You.” 

In 1994, Selena won her first and only competitive Grammy Award at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Mexican-American Album, making history as the first female Tejano artist to win in that category. 

Beyond her chart-topping success, Selena was a fashion pioneer whose signature style, from shimmering bustiers and iconic stage outfits to bold red lipstick, continues to influence pop culture and street fashion today. Her charisma, determination and pride in her Mexican American heritage made her a symbol of empowerment for young women and Latino communities across the world.

Mister Toledo said that despite her passing in the spring of 1995, at age 23, after being fatally shot by Yolanda Saldívar, the former president of her fan club, she has continued to be remembered and admired by older and younger generations. 

“I was born in 1987, so I got to listen [to her music] when she was super popular until she passed away,” he said. “What I love about painting, especially painting this mural, is that it just brings back childhood memories, growing up listening to her, spending time with the family and [watching] that Jennifer Lopez movie.”

Mister Toledo, who was born in  Ramona, California, said making murals of Latino icons has been one highlight of his artistic career. “Before moving here, as a kid, I would always come to L.A. to visit my family,” he said. “I've been doing art since I was a little kid and venturing into different [art] mediums.”

Today, the Southern Californian artist has a plurality of experiences across several forms of media. Before he took a leap of faith to follow his dreams, he spent his eight-year artistic career in graphic artistry for several apparel companies. He received his associate's degree in graphic design from Coleman University and dedicates his art to his family for inspiring him to follow his journey.

The exhibition

Running through March 16, 2026, the limited-time exhibit marks the first official display of Selena’s personal artifacts outside of the Selena Museum in her Texas hometown.

The exhibition was curated in collaboration with Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister. It offers an intimate glimpse into items such as the outfit Selena wore on the cover of “Amor Prohibido,” her Grammy award, her microphone, hand-drawn fashion designs from her teenage years and even her personal cell phone. 

“The Quintanilla family and Chris Pérez are deeply honored to share Selena’s story and legacy with fans in such a meaningful way. It’s incredibly special to share these treasured items for the very first time outside of our Selena Museum,” Suzette Quintanilla said. "This exhibit is a beautiful tribute to her spirit, her culture and the unwavering love she had for fans.”

Since its opening in 2008, the four-story, 32,000-square-foot museum has featured numerous exhibits on recording, genres and artists, reminding the local community of the importance of archiving and preservation.  

“Selena’s impact transcends genres and generations. She paved the way for so many artists who followed in her footsteps,” Kelsey Goelz, the museum's curator, said. “We’re thrilled to celebrate her at the Grammy Museum, where lifelong fans can feel closer to her and a new generation can discover her.”

Today, Selena would have been 54 years old. 

“She'll never be forgotten, her performances [and] what she's done for the Latino community,” Mister Toledo said. “She's still missed to this day. “

For tickets and more information on the exhibit, please visit here.