From colorful folk art and ancient artifacts to modern exhibits and nature-inspired pieces, Mexico is home to some of the most beautiful and intriguing art collections in the world. What’s more, each installation creates an important opportunity for travelers to connect with the region’s local and ancient peoples alike.
Next time you decide to soak up a little sun and sand, take some time to discover one of these five artsy spots in Mexico.
Museo Frida Kahlo, Mexico City
La Casa Azul, aka ‘The Blue House’, allows visitors to retrace the steps of Frida Kahlo, an iconic Mexican painter who lived in the residence for most of her life until her death in 1954. Kahlo often said that she wanted her home to be enjoyed by all of Mexico after she was gone, and thus, Museo Frida Kahlo was born.
View this post on Instagram
Inside, museum-goers will find an array of paintings, pre-Columbian sculptures, photographs, documents, books and furniture. However, the real treat is the opportunity to immerse oneself in the same setting that inspired Kahlo to create some of her most notable works, many of which are still on display today.
SFER IK, Tulum
SFER IK Museion is a place where nature meets art with immersive exhibits made from organic materials presented in mind-bending ways. Pronounced ‘spheric’, this Tulum establishment’s name was inspired by its unique design as SFER IK features no right angles, flat walls or straight lines.
View this post on Instagram
The exhibits are always changing, but one thing can be expected, each display at SFER IK is designed for interaction. Whether that interaction be through smell, touch or a visually stimulating work of art, visitors will leave feeling more connected to the Yucatán landscape than ever before.
Filux Lab, Mérida
An initiative from the International Festival of Lights Mexico, Filux Lab describes itself as, “the first laboratory entirely dedicated to experimentation, discussion, production and exhibition of art pieces related to the language of light and cinema.” What’s more, Filux Lab stresses the importance of working with local talent to create a sense of artistic community in the region.
View this post on Instagram
What one might stumble upon at Filux Lab changes not only day to day, but hour to hour as sunlight and shadows create moody atmospheres and geometric patterns throughout the building. Every space is a blank canvas just waiting to be lit.
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
Home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art, Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology is not to be missed. With 23 permanent exhibit halls, visitors can learn about Central Mexican cultures, marvel at massive stone sculptures, wander through replications of ancient tombs and more.
View this post on Instagram
Remember when everyone thought that the world was going to end in 2012? Keep an eye out for the now infamous Aztec Calendar, commonly referred to as the ‘Sun Stone’, in the Mexica (Aztec) wing of the museum.
Casa de los Venados, Valladolid
Casa de las Vendados, aka ‘The House of Deers’, is a massive private collection of Mexican folk art owned by American couple, John and Dorianna Venator. Despite its private status, the Venators open their home, and its 3,000+ enclosed artifacts, to visitors with daily guided tours.
View this post on Instagram
While travelers will note some key homelike features — beds, a dining room table, a breakfast nook — Casa de los Venados feels more like a museum than a living space. In fact, the artwork seemingly infiltrates every nook and cranny of the home as it’s found in even the most unsuspecting of places such as the backs of dining room chairs and scattered throughout the restroom.
A tour of the home will cost you just 80 pesos and all proceeds are donated to local community organizations and charities.
Bonus Spot: Street Art in Playa Del Carmen
For an Insta-worthy outing, make your way to gorgeous Playa Del Carmen and explore the area’s various murals and street art. Since the most notable pieces are scattered throughout town, your best bet to see them all is on a guided (or self-guided) bike tour where you’ll learn about Mexico’s bustling art scene and meet local artists along the way.
About the Author
comments