Last Updated

EXPLORING OAXACA

Oaxaca's Museums
by Ron Mader

MEXICO FORUM

Immerse yourself in the cultural world.

www.flickr.com

PHOTO GALLERY: Oaxaca City Museums

PUBLISHERS -- This article is available for paid syndication. Those interested in publishing this article should request permission.

RECOMMENDATION --If you have limited time, visit these museums: Oaxaca City Museum, Rufino Tamayo Museum, Santo Domingo Cultural Center, Stamp Museum (MUFI) and the Alvarez Bravo Photographic Center.

NEW

Museo Textil de Oaxaca
Ex Convento de San Pablo, HIdalgo #917, corner of Fiallo
- Textiles

FAVORITES

City Museum (La Casa de la Ciudad)
Porfirio Díaz #115 and Morelos; Open daily from 9am-8pm; Free
- Highlights include Oaxaca maps (one of which is the Foto Piso, a giant photo you walk across courtesy of Universum), changing exhibitions and a library. Look for the yellow building across from the Carmen Abajo Church. Website

Rufino Tamayo Museum of Prehispanic Art (Museo de Arte Prehispanico Rufino Tamayo)
Morales #503, 516-4750; 30 pesos; Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm; Sundays open from 10am to 3pm, closed Tuesdays
- Features indigenous art collected by one of Mexico's most famous artists, Rufino Tamayo. There are tours in English on Wednesdays and Fridays at 5pm.

Santo Domingo Cultural Center
Alcalá, 516-2991; 35 pesos and free on Sundays and holidays; Video Permit 30 pesos; Open from 10am to 8pm; closed Mondays
- Located in restored former convent and located next to the Santo Domingo Church, the museum guides visitors to Oaxaca's history. Concerts are performed in the cloister. Tip - for in-depth explanations, hire a guide or rent an audio guide in Spanish 40 pesos, English 50 pesos.

Museum of Contemporary Oaxacan Art (MACO)
Alcala #202, 514-2818; 10 pesos and free on Sundays and holidays; Open from 10:30am to 8pm; closed Tuesdays
- Features contemporary art in a 17th century house. If there is an opening night, join the festivities! Website

Stamp Museum (Museo de la Filatelia, MUFI)
Reforma #504, 516-8028; Free; Open 10am to 8pm; closed Mondays
- The Museo de Filatelia is the only one of its kind in the country. Exhibitions change on a regular basis. Website

Alvarez Bravo Photographic Center (CFAB)
M. Bravo #116 and Garcia Vigil, 516-4523; Free; Open from 9:30am to 8pm; closed Tuesdays
- Photography exhibits and classes. Website

Casa Juárez Museum
Garcia Vigil #504, 516-1860; 30 pesos and free on Sundays and holidays; Open from 10am to 7pm, closed Mondays
- Oaxacan home of Mexican President Benito Juárez

www.flickr.com

Religious Museum of the Basilica
Located next to the Basilica
- Oaxaca's only museum dedicated to religious art and artifacts

Casa de la Cultura Oaxaqueña
González Ortega #403
- Located next to the Siete Principes Church, this cultural center is a local landmark and hosts numerous presentations and events.

Oaxacan Graphic Arts Institute (IAGO)
Alcalá #507; 516-6980; Free
- Founded by Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo, the institute boasts a 65,000 volume collection.

Oaxacan Painters' Museum (Museo de Pintores Oaxaqueños, MUPO)
Independencia #607 (across from the Plaza Alameda de Leon); Entrance 20 pesos
- This museum features contemporary Oaxacan artists.

Museo del Palacio
South side of the Zócalo
Currently closed. Formerly the government palace, this 19th century building features several exhibition halls and a mural by Arturo Garcia Bustos.

Museo del Ferrocarril Mexicano
Calzada Madero #511, Barrio del Ex Marquesado
East of downtown is the old train station, which is being converted into a museum next to the the Estación Market.

Cri-Cri (Garra de Jaguar y 8 Venado)
La Noria and Xicotencatl. Open daily from 9am-2pm and 4-6pm; Entrance for adults 20 pesos; kids free
- Features archaeological exhibits and games for children.

MUSEUMS NEAR OAXACA CITY

Monte Albán
516-1215; 35 pesos and and free on Sundays and holidays; Open daily from 8am to 5pm
- The Monte Albán archaeological site boasts a museum.