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Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños

About

Imagine a place where the artistic soul of the southern part of a country like Mexico comes to life. The Museum of Oaxacan Painters is not just an exhibition space, but a true treasure trove of talent, located in a majestic 18th-century historic building in the heart of Oaxaca.

Museum of Oaxacan Painters. Source: Kupi.com AI

The museum prides itself on its representative collection, where works by local masters hold a special place. Here, you can trace the evolution of Mexican painting, starting from the 16th century and ending with the bold experiments of contemporary 20th-century authors. It is a key cultural institution that allows guests to connect with the unique Oaxacan school of art.

The museum building, an example of colonial architecture, creates a unique backdrop for the artworks. The combination of ancient walls and expressive canvases makes visiting this place a must for any connoisseur of beauty and history.

Contacts

To plan your visit and check for current information on temporary exhibitions, you can use the museum's official contact details.

Address Av. de la Independencia 607, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Phone +52 951 516 5645
Official Website sic.cultura.gob.mx
Google Maps View on map
Rating 4.5 out of 5 (based on over 1,200 reviews)

What to Do

The main reason to visit this museum is the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of prominent Mexican creators. Visitors can immerse themselves in a high-quality exhibition featuring both classical canvases and avant-garde works. As you stroll through the halls, you will feel how deeply local art is connected to the traditions and daily life of the region.

In addition to contemplating the paintings, be sure to pay attention to the architecture of the mansion itself. High vaults, elegant decorative details, and a traditional courtyard transport guests back to the city's colonial heyday. It is an ideal place to take inspiring photographs in an authentic setting.

The museum often serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions and cultural events, allowing visitors to see new facets of contemporary Oaxacan art. The silence and tranquility of the halls encourage deep immersion in artistic imagery and reflection on the development of Mexican culture.

Getting There

The museum is located at Av. de la Independencia 607, in the very heart of the historic center. This is an extremely convenient location for tourists, as the building is within walking distance of the city's main square, the Zócalo, and other iconic landmarks.

If you are staying in the central part of the city, a walk to the museum will be a pleasant addition to your sightseeing route. For those traveling from further districts, it is most convenient to use a taxi or local ride-hailing services, which will take you directly to the entrance of this historic building.

Public transport also runs along the adjacent central streets; however, it is worth noting that many of Oaxaca's tourist areas are best explored on foot, allowing you to enjoy the colonial architecture and the atmosphere of the Mexican South.

History & Facts

The Museum of Oaxacan Painters (MUPO) found its home in a magnificent 18th-century mansion. The building itself is an architectural monument, carefully preserving the features of the colonial style that dominated during the period of Spanish rule.

Interestingly, the land upon which the city stands is steeped in ancient history: long before the arrival of Europeans, the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations flourished here. The Spanish settlement on this site was founded in 1521, and it received city status in 1529 under the beautiful name Antequera.

The city received its modern name only in 1821. The rich political and cultural history of the state of Oaxaca, which became the birthplace of many Mexican reforms, has left a deep mark on local art. The museum serves as an important link, demonstrating the continuity of talent from the viceroyalty era to the present day.

Time Needed

To enjoy the collection at a leisurely pace and carefully examine the architectural details of the old mansion, it is recommended to plan for a visit of about 1.5–2 hours. This time is quite sufficient to see the main halls and temporary exhibitions.

If you are a passionate fan of painting or enjoy studying the history of each presented era in detail, you might want to stay longer. The museum's atmosphere invites thoughtful contemplation and a peaceful break from the city bustle.

Working Hours

When planning your cultural itinerary, please note that the museum welcomes guests from Tuesday to Sunday. The doors are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing ample time to explore the collection during daylight hours.

It is important to remember that Monday is a closing day. During this time, the museum is closed to the public for maintenance work and exhibition updates.

Nearby

Its downtown location makes the museum an ideal starting point for further exploration of local culture and entertainment. A walk through the neighborhood will allow you to see not only historical monuments but also modern leisure centers.

Name Distance (km)
Acuario "El Arrecife" 0.6
Veterinary Animal Kingdom 0.8
Acuario Ramirezi 0.8
acuario "mundo azul" 1.0
Mundo Mascota 1.9
MS SIAM BETTAS 2.0
Acuarista Oaxaca 2.1
CasAcuario 2.3
Acuario Angelito Oaxaca 3.2
Flip Out 4.4

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