Mérida Through the Eyes of a Local Artist
There is an emerging modernity in the art scene surrounding the increasingly cosmopolitan city of Mérida, whose growth draws countless artists from around the globe. While it still retains a classic touch through creators who capture local culture, the expanding digital world has led the “White City” to embrace more international styles. According to 31-year-old Violeta C. Azcona Mazun, a local artist specializing in art therapy, new unconventional multidisciplinary approaches are shaping alternative trends. Painters, sculptors, designers, visual artists, and artisans from all over the world are flocking to the city, as its cultural spaces offer limitless opportunities for both creators and art lovers alike.
“I think art in Mérida is flourishing,” she tells me.
She notes that there are growing connections to Asian cultural art, such as anime, and a rising focus on the expression of the human body in art, both of which are gaining traction in the city. Others are combining paintings with performing arts or cinema, while surrealism, conceptualism, and spiritualism are also on the rise. “Perhaps local art was more conservative in the past, but now there’s a wide variety of unconventional multidisciplinary forms coming to light,” she adds.
Violeta kindly shared her favorite art galleries and cultural centers in Mérida that are not to be missed with Yucatán Today:
Gallery listings
- 54 Gallery
- Centro de Arte Lux Perpetua
- Centro Cultural Lorca
- Centro Cultural MID Guía
- Galería Anónimo Arte
- Le Cirque Galería
- SoHo Galleries
Violeta kindly shared her favorite art galleries and cultural centers in Mérida that are not to be missed with Yucatán Today:
1. 54 Gallery
This relatively young and vibrant gallery, with locations in Mérida and Mexico City, has quickly established itself as a hub for creative exchange and collaboration. Its exhibitions feature a captivating blend of styles, including thought-provoking collages and striking graphic compositions.
Curated by filmmaker Carola Sánchez, whose deep passion for art drives the gallery’s mission, 54 Gallery fosters dialogue among local, national, and international artists while providing a platform for emerging talent. Committed to supporting diverse disciplines, the gallery envisions itself as more than just a traditional space—it’s a dynamic meeting point for artists, musicians, dancers, and poets alike.
The gallery also champions young creators, partnering with local universities to showcase their work and ensuring proceeds directly benefit the artists.
“This gallery offers a transformative artistic experience through a diverse selection of drawings, photographs, and sculptures,” says Violeta. “54 Gallery focuses primarily on contemporary art by both local and international artists, often showcasing established names known for their exceptional quality.”
54 Gallery
Calle 54 #453-B x 51 y 53, Centro
IG: 54_gallery
2. Centro de Arte Lux Perpetua
This is one of the city’s most luxurious art galleries, showcasing some of the finest works by Yucatán’s most renowned creators. It features a gallery, a printmaking workshop, and an artist residency program. The Lux Perpetua project is driven by young entrepreneurs with a deep passion for both local and international art and culture, which they celebrate through diverse exhibitions. They are dedicated to strengthening the local creative economy by producing and distributing a wide range of visual artistic heritage with a distinctive stylistic touch.
“They’re fantastic professionals working across all aspects of the art ecosystem, from managing resources allocated to art and culture to promoting dissemination, critique, public education, and the creative process itself,” says Violeta.
Lux Perpetua Art Centre
Calle 20 #87-E x 13 y 15, Itzimná
FB: luxperpetuart
3. Centro Cultural Lorca
Founded in 2015 by Víctor Manuel Fernández Bojórquez, the Lorca Cultural Center began as a poetry reading circle. Over time, its vision evolved to meet community needs, transforming into a vibrant space for cultural promotion across various artistic disciplines.
The center includes a specialized library focusing on humanities and children’s literature, an art gallery and workshop, an experimental café, and spaces dedicated to work, reading, and leisure.
“As an artist, it’s fantastic to have the option for solo or collaborative exhibitions, which this place offers,” Violeta shares. “They have excellent curators, and the director studied visual arts, so he has a deep understanding of technical aspects and setups to create dynamic exhibitions. There are also plenty of workshops.”
Centro Cultural Lorca
Calle 39-A #192 x 16-B y 16-E, Col. Gran San Pedro Cholul
FB: CentroCulturalEnMerida
4. Centro Cultural MID Guía
This dynamic cultural center, located in the heart of Mérida, is dedicated to fostering artistic expression, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. Blending tradition with innovation, it serves as a platform for artists, writers, performers, and cultural enthusiasts to connect, create, and collaborate. The MID Guía Cultural Center offers a wide range of programs, exhibitions, workshops, and performances that celebrate Yucatán’s vibrant artistic heritage while embracing contemporary cultural trends. Its welcoming atmosphere and versatile facilities make it a gathering place for people of all ages eager to explore and enjoy the arts.
“This is one of the most budget-friendly spaces for artists while maintaining high-quality standards for everyone to enjoy,” Violeta recommends.
Centro Cultural MID Guía
Calle 57 #519-A x 64 y 66, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro.
FB: Centro Cultural MID Guía
5. Galería Anónimo Arte
This gallery specializes in selling and distributing art both in-store and online. The displayed works feature a diverse selection, including paintings created with various techniques such as oil, acrylic, ink, drawing, and mixed media. It also showcases works on premium papers like Guarro and Fabriano, using oil and acrylic techniques, along with curated photographs available for exhibition and purchase.
“Anónimo Arte Gallery is a great spot to see emerging art from Yucatán that’s also budget-friendly. They have an excellent program supporting emerging talent,” Violeta notes.
Galería Anónimo Arte
Calle 57 #552 x 66 y 68, Barrio de Santiago, Centro
FB: arteanonimo
6. Le Cirque Galería
This space has established itself as a key player in promoting and developing Mérida’s artistic and cultural offerings. It is another economically accessible option for artists to exhibit their work, attracting many international artists who choose to settle here. The gallery exudes a French artistic flair but also features contributions from artists based in London, Spain, France, other European cities, Cuba, and the United States.
“A lot of effort is put into ensuring that the atmosphere complements the style of the exhibition. The music and lighting are excellent, and the air conditioning makes the space more comfortable for visitors,” Violeta shares.
Le Cirque Galería
Calle 55-A #538 x 68 y 70, Barrio de Santiago, Centro
FB: Le Cirque Galería
7. SoHo Galleries
Established in 2008, SoHo Galleries is a premier contemporary art gallery located in the heart of Mérida. Drawing inspiration from New York City’s iconic SoHo art district, it serves as a dynamic platform for artists from around the globe.
The gallery’s exhibitions offer visitors a vibrant cultural experience, seamlessly blending art with live music, delicious food, fine wine, and the rare chance to mingle with the creators behind the works on display.
Owned by Adele Aguirre, SoHo Galleries is a space where art transcends boundaries, inviting guests on an inspiring journey through emotions, ideas, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, the SoHo experience immerses you in a world of exceptional art and cultural connections.
“This gallery showcases high-quality, creative styles from a wide selection of international artists,” says Violeta. “They often feature abstract and figurative paintings alongside sculptures, with a strong focus on contemporary art.”
SoHo Galleries
Calle 60 #400-A x 43 y 41, Centro
FB: Soho Galleries
Photography by Carlos Guzmán, SoHo Galleries, FB Centro de Arte Lux Perpetua, FB Galería Anónimo Arte and FB Le Cirque Galería.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 445, in January 2025.
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