You cannot visit Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, without stopping by its famous Plaza Grande. The first time you do, you won’t be able to miss the striking contrast between the architecture of the Centro Cultural Olimpo (located next to the Municipal Palace) and the other colonial buildings surrounding the square. In fact, the design of the Olimpo—the most recent building constructed in the city’s historic first quadrant—has sparked controversy among Yucatecos since its completion, as many feel it clashes with the colonial uniformity of its surroundings. But regardless of your take on its exterior, at the Olimpo, it is what’s inside that counts.
A historic building reimagined
Opened in 1999, the current Centro Cultural Olimpo is actually a reimagining of an older “Olimpo” building. The name came from a popular restaurant that operated on its ground floor in the early 20th century.
The original building was demolished in 1974 due to structural risks. The space served as a parking lot for over 20 years, until a project was finally approved to bring it back to life and restore symmetry to the Plaza Grande. In 1997, the City Council of Mérida held a design competition, which was won by the renowned local architect Augusto Quijano.
The new design incorporates the arches of the original facade and the layout of a central courtyard but adds contemporary architectural elements. The goal was to create a building that was clearly modern yet existed in a quiet dialogue with the neighboring colonial architecture.
What can you find inside the Olimpo?
Today, the Centro Cultural Olimpo is a vital venue for art and culture. The heart of the building is its spacious, circular central courtyard, which hosts conferences, concerts, and small art exhibits, but there are plenty of spaces where different events can take place at the same time:
- Silvio Zavala Vallado Auditorium: Located on the ground floor with a capacity for 285 people, this venue hosts film festivals, dance performances, recitals, and theater productions throughout the year.
- Arcadio Poveda Ricalde Planetarium: While currently inactive for shows (since 2019), it still frequently opens its doors for scientific talks and astronomy enthusiasts.
- Exhibition Halls: On the upper floor, you will find three galleries featuring rotating exhibits from both national and international artists. In recent years, these halls have hosted masterpieces by legends like Joan Miró and Henri Matisse.
- The Balcony: The wide front balcony offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Plaza Grande.
Temporada Olimpo Cultura (The Olimpo Culture Season)
Since 2012, the city has hosted the Temporada Olimpo Cultura (Olimpo Culture Season). This annual project ensures a stable and continuous cultural program, where ticket proceeds directly benefit the artists, who are selected by a national jury.
The most recent season in 2025 featured over 200 events between July and December, held both at the Olimpo and across 27 other locations in different comisarías (rural communities) of the state, fulfilling the mission of making art accessible to all Yucatecos.
How to visit the Olimpo Cultural Center
The facilities and art galleries can be visited free of charge during opening hours. Keep in mind that the center is closed on Mondays. While many performances in the auditorium are free, some special events require ticket purchases online or at the box office.
To stay up to date with the annual schedule, you can check the Mérida es Cultura Facebook page or the official website of the Mérida City Council.
Centro Cultural Olimpo
Calle 62 x 61, Centro
Program website:
www.merida.gob.mx/capitalcultural/eventos.php
Tue. - Sat. 10 am - 8 pm
Sun. 10 am - 6 pm
Admission:
Exhibitions are free
Ticket prices for performances and events may vary
Related articles
