Gastón Charó Gallery

Strolling along the famous Fifth Avenue, it's impossible to pass by the vibrant cultural oasis that is the Gaston Charo Gallery. Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, this venue has become an important point on the art map of Mexico. Founded in 2000, the gallery offers visitors a unique perspective on contemporary art.

The founder and creative visionary behind the space, Argentine artist Gaston Charo, transformed his studio into an open platform for creativity. Today, works by more than 40 local and international masters are exhibited here, representing a living dialogue between different styles and techniques. Entrance to the gallery is completely free, making art accessible to every visitor to the city, and all exhibited pieces are original and available for purchase.

The interior space, hidden within the cozy Jardín de Marieta plaza, is striking for its atmosphere, reminiscent of entering a surreal world. Here, bright paintings sit harmoniously alongside sculptures, photographs, and designer jewelry. Each piece is an attempt to speak the universal language of emotions and spirituality, which is understandable to any traveler.

For those who wish to clarify visit details or ask the curators a question, we have provided the main contact information. The gallery is located in the heart of tourist life, so finding it won't be difficult even during a casual walk. We also recommend checking the official website to see current updates in the exhibition or to contact the artists directly.

A visit to the Gaston Charo Gallery is an opportunity to slow down and trade the noisy atmosphere of shopping streets for a world of artistic imagery. Visitors are free to photograph the exhibits, so you can capture your favorite works in the styles of cubism or surrealism as a keepsake. Quiet music, the scent of incense, and an abundance of greenery inside the halls create the perfect conditions for thoughtful contemplation and a break from the beach bustle.

Collectors will find many original works here: from large-scale canvases to miniature linocuts and exclusive jewelry. All exhibited items are available for purchase, and the gallery staff is always ready to help with the paperwork and organize careful shipping of the acquired works to other countries. This is a great chance to take a piece of the Mexican soul home with you in the form of a unique art object.

For those seeking inspiration, it will be interesting to observe the rotation of exhibitions, as the lineup of participating artists is regularly updated. The gallery supports both established masters and up-and-coming talents, ensuring a variety of techniques and approaches. This place is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to discover new facets of contemporary culture in the heart of the tourist zone.

Finding the gallery is very simple: it is located on the city's main tourist artery—Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue). Look for the entrance to the picturesque Jardín de Marieta plaza, situated between 6th and 8th Streets in the heart of the Centro district. If you are staying at one of the beachfront hotels in the central part of the city, a walk to the destination will be a pleasant addition to your day.

For those coming from outlying areas, it is most convenient to use a taxi or a rental vehicle. If you are arriving from other coastal cities, the ADO bus station is within walking distance. Since Fifth Avenue is a pedestrian zone, it is best to leave private cars in one of the paid parking lots on the neighboring streets, as vehicle traffic is prohibited directly at the entrance.

The history of this place began over a quarter of a century ago when young Argentine artist Gaston Charo decided to settle in Playa del Carmen. Moving to Mexico at the age of 24, he began his journey by teaching painting at the local cultural center, "La Casa de la Cultura." Over time, his personal studio grew beyond a simple workspace, transforming into a full-fledged gallery that opened to the public in 2000.

Gaston Charo believes that art is a universal language capable of bringing people of different cultures together and overcoming any boundaries. This philosophy formed the basis for creating a space where Mexican traditions are closely intertwined with surrealist motifs. Over the years, the gallery has become home to the works of dozens of authors, carefully preserving the spirit of creative freedom and self-expression.

Interestingly, the gallery is located within Jardín de Marieta—a place that is a part of the urban landscape in its own right, hiding a green courtyard with unique energy. Many of the artworks created and exhibited here are inspired by local nature, the region's spiritual heritage, and human emotions. In its 25 years of operation, the venue has earned recognition as one of the city's most important cultural sites.

Typically, travelers spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the main exhibition. This is usually enough time to leisurely walk through the exhibition halls, examine the details of the sculptures, and enjoy the atmosphere of the inner courtyard. If you are an art enthusiast and plan to study the techniques in detail or speak with the staff about the exhibition concepts, you should allow about 3 hours for your visit.

The gallery is conveniently located on a popular pedestrian route, so a visit to the cultural center is easy to combine with lunch at a nearby restaurant or a walk to the coast. Depending on your personal interest, you can either drop in for a quick introductory tour or spend a significant amount of time here, immersing yourself in the world of contemporary creativity.

The gallery doors are open to guests daily, which is very convenient for those whose holiday schedules are packed. Visitors are welcome from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM without weekends or breaks. This schedule allows you to peek into the world of art during the cool morning hours or during an evening promenade along Fifth Avenue.

Although the gallery is open seven days a week, we recommend checking the official website before your visit. This will help confirm current operating hours during holidays or provide information about special creative events and presentations of new collections.

Visiting an art gallery in the center of Playa del Carmen is just the beginning of your adventure. Exploring the surrounding area can significantly enrich your experience, offering a contrast between fine art and breathtaking attractions.

Nearby locations offer many options for active recreation, theme park visits, and discovering the natural riches of the Riviera Maya region.