Museums in Oaxaca

The city of Oaxaca, in addition to being famous for its vibrant culture and delicious gastronomy, boasts a variety of must-visit museums that represent authentic architectural gems and offer a deep insight into the history and traditions of this destination.

As a recognition of its cultural richness, Oaxaca has been designated a World Heritage Site, and the city’s museums play a fundamental role in the preservation and dissemination of its legacy. These museums are must-visit stops for any visitor wishing to immerse themselves in the rich history of this place.

Santo Domingo de Guzmán Museum

The Santo Domingo Cultural Center in Oaxaca is a prominent institution comprising the Santo Domingo temple, its historic ethnobotanical garden, the Fray Francisco de Burgoa library, and the Néstor Sánchez public hemeroteca. Located in the former Santo Domingo de Guzmán convent, built between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Dominicans, this historic site is considered one of the most important viceregal constructions in Oaxaca.

This Cultural Center, also known as the Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca, houses various decorative elements. Additionally, it features an ethnobotanical garden that highlights the diversity of plants and their relationship with the local culture. The Fray Francisco de Burgoa library is an invaluable source of historical knowledge, while the Néstor Sánchez hemeroteca offers access to periodical publications.

The Museum of Cultures is a comprehensive institution that combines religious, historical, botanical, and literary elements. The former Santo Domingo convent, which houses these facilities, stands out as an architectural treasure from the viceregal era of the region.

Oaxaca Textile Museum

The Oaxaca Textile Museum is another essential museum located in a restored 18th-century mansion in the Historic Center of the city. This cultural space offers a complete view of the designs, techniques, and creative processes used in the production of textiles, not only in Oaxaca but throughout Mexico. Through exhibitions, lectures, and workshops, the museum provides visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of traditional textiles.

These exhibitions present a wide variety of textile pieces, showcasing the diversity of styles, colors, and patterns that characterize Mexican textile craftsmanship. Additionally, conferences and events are organized to promote knowledge and appreciation of this important cultural manifestation.

It also offers workshops where visitors can learn traditional weaving techniques and processes, allowing them to experience firsthand the beauty and complexity of this art form.

Popular Arts Museum

The Museum of Popular Arts, located on Mariano Matamoros Street, is a must-visit in the city of Oaxaca. This museum focuses on popular art and presents both traditional and contemporary expressions. In its exhibition halls, visitors can admire a wide variety of crafts and decorative objects that reflect the rich culture and traditions of the region. The museum offers a fascinating insight into Oaxacan popular art, showcasing the creativity and skills of local artisans. It is a standout place for those interested in exploring the cultural heritage and artistic expressions of Oaxaca.

Philately Museum

The Philately Museum in Oaxaca is another place worth visiting, especially for postal stamp enthusiasts. This museum is dedicated to displaying a wide collection of postage stamps and features thematic rooms such as the Baseball Philately, where you can appreciate essays, proofs, and samples of postage stamps related to baseball in Mexico. The Frida Kahlo collection also stands out, including letters exchanged between her and her doctor Leo Eloesser. The museum offers a fascinating look into the world of philately and provides a unique insight into history and culture through postage stamps.

Oaxacan Painters Museum

The Oaxacan Painters Museum is an old mansion that houses an unmissable artistic space in Oaxaca. In addition to its historical importance as the headquarters of the first Museum of Anthropology and History in 1933, this museum is dedicated to promoting and participating in the development of art in the region. In its rooms, various artistic expressions such as painting, sculpture, photography, and video are exhibited, with the aim of disseminating the works of young artists and recognized figures in the state’s culture. Visiting this museum is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of visual arts in Oaxaca.

Contemporary Art Museum

The Oaxaca Contemporary Art Museum, located on Macedonio Alcalá Street, is a prominent initiative by artists such as Francisco Toledo, Rubén Leyva, Luis Zárate, and José Villalobos, with the purpose of exhibiting modern art from the region. Through various exhibitions, the museum presents a reflection on the territory from the indigenous perspective, using mechanical pieces, installations, videos, and objects. Additionally, the museum often hosts exhibitions that address freedom of expression. It is worth mentioning that on Sundays, admission to the museum is free, providing more people with the opportunity to enjoy its artistic and cultural offerings.

Rufino Tamayo Pre-Hispanic Art Museum

The Rufino Tamayo Pre-Hispanic Art Museum, located on Morelos Avenue in the Historic Center of Oaxaca, is another museum you shouldn’t miss. This museum exhibits an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic art, donated by the renowned artist Rufino Tamayo, who gifted more than 800 pieces he collected throughout his life as a testament to his love for his homeland. The works are distributed in five rooms within the museum, offering a fascinating insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum presents temporary exhibitions that enrich visitors’ artistic and cultural experience. Visiting this museum is a unique opportunity to explore pre-Hispanic art and appreciate Rufino Tamayo’s generosity and artistic passion.

Oaxaca is full of museums to learn more about Mexican popular art with a variety of works and objects to preserve and transmit the cultural legacy of our country.”