Merida culture spots

One of the capitals of the Maya culture is definitely Merida. The most important city in the Yucatan Peninsula has a lot to teach us about the history of this region of Mexico. Here are some Merida culture spots.

Juan Gamboa Pinacoteca

Just a few steps from the Plaza Grande, in a 17th century Jesuit building, is this museum that houses works from the viceroyalty era in several rooms, in addition to temporary exhibitions and a room dedicated to Juan Gamboa Guzman, the most important Yucatan painter of the 19th century.

Admission 45 pesos

Merida culture spots: Santa Lucia Park

With good restaurants with terraces and live music, Santa Lucia is a lively little square with a great neighborhood atmosphere. On Thursday nights at 9pm the traditional Yucateca serenata is held. This is an opportunity to enjoy Yucatan folk music while eating or just sitting on one of the chairs. Also, on weekends, the artisans come to exhibit their products, so it is a good time to visit.

The Palacio Canton

It houses the Yucatan Regional Museum of Anthropology, as well as the exhibit “Mexicas, elegidos del sol”, with many artifacts and interesting visuals explaining the importance of the Mexicas (Aztec Empire) and their connection to the Mayan culture. A very clear and well-presented exhibition to keep us interested until the end.

Admission 65 pesos

Merida culture spots: The Museum of Popular Art

Mexico makes us dream with its colors and characters that have entered our collective imagination, especially with the famous Dia de los Muertos. This museum allows you to discover Mexican popular art, through magnificent examples of the works of great artists and craftsmen of the country: clothing, textiles, work on stone, clay, wood, glass and miniatures. 

Address: Calle 50 (corner Calle 57, in front of La Mejorada park), Wed-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-3pm.

Free entrance

The Visual Arts Center

This is an address that is certainly not touristy, but it is worth a visit if you are a fan of culture or simply curious to visit a beautiful building in Merida. Once through its large doors, you arrive in an impressive house with high ceilings, typical tiles and interior patio, which has been converted into a cultural center.

Several events are held here (theater, music, etc.) but there is also a free exhibition that changes regularly.

Address: Calle 60 (between Calle 47 and 45, in front of Parque Santa Ana).

Free entrance.

The Museum of the City

The city museum is located in a beautiful building that presents the history of Merida through 4 permanent rooms:

The pre-Hispanic era with artifacts of the Mayan culture

The colonial period with pieces related to the Spanish conquest and the foundation of the city

Mérida in the 19th and early 20th centuries, showing the economic and political development of the city

Mérida in the 20th century with objects related to the city of today, its identity, its culture

There are also 6 temporary exhibition rooms that present works by local visual artists.