MACO from Oaxaca | The amazing museum of contemporary art

One of the main spaces to learn about the various cultural expressions of the region is in the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca (MACO). It promotes and disseminates contemporary artists from Oaxaca and throughout the country. The MACO is classified as a historical monument by the INAH.

This museum is one in which the cultural traditions of different regions merge with contemporary global culture. On the façade of the house that at that time was a private residence, you can still see the family coats of arms dating from the late seventeenth century. It was the home of the Pinelo family and the Lazo de la Vega family.

It was founded at the end of the century on the grounds of the old house and dwelling of Cortés. It was also a kind of neighborhood – a neighborhood that once housed printing presses, shops, and businesses. After being turned into a museum in 1992, it remains so to this day, almost three decades old.

A large number of artists returned to Oaxaca in the late 1980s, after spending time in other regions and countries doing artistic residencies.

In Oaxaca, they have always been concerned that one day there will be a museum dedicated to artistic work and an exhibition space where they would describe and present the works that were being made at that time.

Just stop and just look around. There is a whole range of exhibitions in constant flux. Then you will always find something interesting, something that will be recognized internationally.

As much as it is about exhibiting and giving focus to the different artistic expressions, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca is also about educating the public. It started as the idea of the Oaxacan painter Fransico Toledo and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca was founded in 1992. A total of 13 exhibition rooms are present, of which 3 are dedicated to the permanent exhibition of Oaxacan artists.

In addition to the main exhibition halls, there is also an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions and a children’s area where the painting of the month is done every month along with a workshop, so if your child decides to attend one of these workshops, but don’t worry. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca also has a restaurant within its facilities.

Taking a look inside MACO

Image by Thelmadatter

This space contains several rooms based on sound installations, sound art (the relationship between sound and space), and demonstrations of different instruments in the room. The room is made up of different materials that have been incorporated into the works of art.

The annual program tries to have a proposal from a local, national and international artist every time we meet. Its purpose is to provide viewers with a window to what is happening in the world through an artistic framework, allowing them to see what is happening outside of Oaxaca.

The museum has been entrusted with the function of forming a special council, which reviews and records the possibilities of holding exhibitions throughout the year, through curatorship.

Likewise, in addition to the presentations, additional activities are sought such as talks, lectures, conferences, screenings, and festivals of the living arts, which are complementary to the works.

The main objective is to ensure that everyone can see what happens in this great Museum of Contemporary Art and how it works.

In its headquarters, there is an old house from the 17th and 18th centuries called “Hernán Cortés”, built at the end of the 16th century. At the initiative of the government, the INBA, citizens, and artists such as Francisco Toledo, this monument was inaugurated in 1992.

The museum consists of 14 permanent rooms, in which Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Gutiérrez, Rodolfo Nieto, Rodolfo Morales, and Francisco Toledo are on permanent display.

This museum has displayed in its temporary exhibition rooms works by Günther Gerzso, Jorge Du Bon, Francisco Toledo, Francis Alÿs, Mona Hatoum, James Brown, and Graciela Iturbide. The Rufino Tamayo Painting Biennial takes place at its headquarters.

There is a large sculptural courtyard outside the building, where events such as conferences and concerts are held.

Image by James Miller

Stay close to MACO (Museum of Contemporary Art)

According to our last minute reservation data, the following 3 hotels are the most reserved at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca (MACO):

1. Hotel Casa Esmeralda

2. Antonieta House

3. House of the Assumption

It is important to stay as close as possible to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca (MACO), one of the best tourist attractions in Oaxaca. There are endless options to suit any need and budget, be it an event, a museum, a theater, or a monument. Compare rates and select the best hotel that suits your needs.

Near the Museum of Contemporary Art of Oaxaca (MACO), hotels offer a variety of modern amenities to make your stay comfortable, such as free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, and refrigerators. You can enjoy the attractions of Oaxaca from your balcony or terrace in some rooms.

It is a pleasure to watch some of the many looping videos played on the screens in various rooms on the second floor, relating to local culture while attending the current exhibition. Behind the first floor is a beautiful outdoor area with birdsong and three large, beautiful trees. Without a doubt, despite its tranquility, it is a perfect place to spend the afternoon!

Due to an administrative audit, MACO has been temporarily closed. Its grand reopening will be announced shortly.

• Calle Macedonio Alcalá 202, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
• Three blocks from the Ex-Convent of Santo Domingo
• Telephone: 01 (951) 5142228
• Email: expomuseomaco@gmail.com
• Adults: $ 0.95
• Children – 0.48 usd – free if it is for a school
• Open from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Tuesday closed and Sunday free.

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