Yucatecan Art At Its Finest

You’ve arrived in Mérida, and we’re so happy to have you here! The White City has an incredible cultural offering housed in iconic neighborhoods full of history, fascinating architecture, traditions, local customs, and delicious cuisine.

Not only that, but you’re in Mérida during a magical time of year. December is a moment of celebration for Yucatecos. During this month, the city is brimming with colors, scents, and textures that will add to the experience of touring our capital and enjoying the perfect Yucatecan winter which is neither too hot, nor too cold. This mild weather is great for long walks and exploring culture-filled museums and galleries.

So we want to give you a summary of Mérida’s Barrios, and the museums and galleries you will find in each one. They have all put the necessary health and safety protocols in place.

Centro Histórico

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán (MACAY)

Inaugurated in April of 1994, t his is one of Mérida’s most famous and popular museums. Located next to the Cathedral, the MACAY is an oasis within the city: it has a courtyard which features sculptures, a fountain, and plenty of greenery giving your senses a rest from the bustling Centro Histórico. It has permanent exhibitions so you can admire the work of three of Yucatán’s most celebrated plastic artists: Fernando García Ponce, Fernando Castro Pacheco, and Gabriel Ramírez Aznar. Currently it features Yucatecan ceramic, sculptures by Mexican artist Jovian, and an exhibit of works by Colombian artist Darío Ortíz.

Pasaje de la Revolución x 58 y 60, Centro Histórico
Mon. – Fri. 10 am – 5 pm
Free admission

Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida

Located in the former Central Post Office, this museum has the mission of promoting and spreading Mérida’s history and culture. Its four large rooms offer an interesting tour of the White City’s past, from Pre-Hispanic times (when the grand city of Th’ó was one of the most important Maya metropoli in the Yucatán Peninsula), through Colonial times, the 19 century (a time that is known for being the height of

Yucatán’s financial power thanks to Henequén production), and Mérida’s contemporary cosmopolitan identity. The museum also has animportant bibliographic and newspaper archive. Currently the museum is exhibiting “PreHispanic Mérida,” “Yesterday’s Mérida,” the Manuel Lizama collection, and “Multiple Planes.”

Calle 56 #529 x 65 y 65-A, Centro Histórico
Tue. – Fri. 10 am – 4 pm
Free admission

Barrio de Mejorada

Museo de la Canción Yucateca

Yucatán is well-known around the world for its music. So much so, that Yucatecan trova is considered a part of the state’s cultural heritage, and Yucatán is recognized as the birthplace of important representatives of this musical genre. In this museum – which is eclectic with a neo classical trend – you will find an auditorium, wide halls and large rooms that will show you the history of Yucatán’s music. In addition to their musical collection, they host “Miércoles de Trova” (Trova Wednesdays), an event for you to enjoy live music and take these sweet melodies with you as a souvenir.

Calle 57 #464 x 48, Centro
Mon. – Fri. 10 am – 5 pm
General admission: $20 pesos. Trova Wednesdays: $50 pesos

Paseo de Montejo

Museo Regional de Yucatán “Palacio Cantón”

Reminiscent of the French baroque period with classic and neo classical details, Palacio Cantón is one of the most beautiful buildings in Mérida. This fabulous property dates back to the early 20 century and is home to a valuable collection of Maya pieces which are a product of the excavations that took place from 1960 to current times. Currently on exhibit: “The Visible Word, Maya Hieroglyph Scripture”, and “Península: Symbolic Cartography,” in addition to the permanent collection of stellae, lintels, sculptures, and valuable pieces of jade that include masks, necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

Paseo Montejo #485, x 43, Centro
Mon. – Fri. 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: $65 pesos. 12 and under: free

Casa Museo Quinta Montes Molina

Near Palacio Cantón, and also decorating Paseo de Montejo, you’ll reach this magnificent home which is representative of the Porfiriato. The property features eclectic architecture with a neo classical trend, beautiful gardens and terraces, fruit trees, and flowers. The house is owned by the Montes Molina family, who invite you to learn more about their history. Inside, you will see art deco pieces, antique European furniture, Carrara marble floors, Baccarat and Murano fixtures, porcelain and alabaster sculptures, as well as the family’s dinnerware and all sorts of antiques. A blast from the past, without a doubt.

Paseo Montejo #469, x 33 y 35, Centro
Mon. – Fri. 10 am – 2 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm. Sat. 10 am – 2 pm
Admission: Adults $85 pesos, minors $65 pesos

Barrio de Santa Ana

Centro de Artes Visuales

Inside a restored Casona, lives this cultural space that shows collective and individual exhibitions by acclaimed artists. Starting December, you can enjoy the exhibit “Ka síijik lu’um (Que nazca la tierra)” – let the earth be born – which will feature paintings, sculptures, books, installations, photography, graphic art, collages, murals, illustrations, and digital art.

Calle 60 x 47 y 45, Centro
Mon. – Fri. 10 am – 5 pm
Free admission.

Art galleries

Santa Ana also has many galleries for you to enjoy. At these different spaces you can view paintings, sculptures, digital art, photography, murals, illustrations, and more…there’s something for everyone! Here are their names and addresses, go take a look:

SoHo Galleries: Calle 60 #400-A x 43 y 41, Centro
La Sala Art Gallery: Calle 60 #399-A x 45 y 43, Centro
Terracota arte actual: Calle 60 #409 x 45 y 47, Centro
Nahualli, casa de los artistas: Calle 60 #405 x 43 y 45, Centro
Galería 33: Calle 45 #414 x 60, Centro
Mácula ArtEstudio: Calle 49 #501 x 60 y 62, Centro
Mon. – Fri.10 am – 5 pm. Sat. 10 am – 2 pm