Instituto Casa de las artesanias

If you want to experience the full diversity of Chiapas' cultural traditions in one place, a visit to the Chiapas Handicraft Institute (Instituto Casa de las Artesanías) is a must. This unique government institution, located in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, serves as the primary center for preserving and promoting the talents of local masters. It is more than just a marketplace; it is the true heart of Mexico's artisanal life.

Inside the complex, visitors will find an exciting blend of a museum and a massive shop showcasing around 50,000 unique items. You can find everything here: from delicate textiles and vibrant ceramics to the famous Chiapas amber and lacquered boxes. The Institute brings together over 25,000 artisans, giving them the opportunity to showcase their work directly to the public without intermediaries.

Special mention goes to the MUSART museum of crafts, located within the same complex. Its modern exhibition, "From Creation to Consciousness," uses hundreds of remarkable artifacts to tell stories of mythology, cosmology, and the ancient techniques that the state's indigenous peoples have carefully passed down through generations. It is a place where aesthetics meet history, allowing every guest to touch the living heritage of Mexico.

To clarify visiting details or plan group tours, you can use the following contact information:

A visit to the institute promises to be a complete cultural adventure. Start with a walk through the six thematic halls of the MUSART museum, where you can trace the entire journey of a handcrafted masterpiece: from selecting natural materials to embodying ancient legends. Interactive elements and detailed descriptions of techniques, such as the famous Chiapaneco lacquer, make the tour informative even for those who are not art experts.

Shopping remains the main draw for tourists. The massive store features the finest examples of creativity from across the state: handmade ethnic fabrics, wooden sculptures, exquisite jewelry made from genuine amber, and even traditional sweets. This is the perfect chance to purchase an authentic souvenir while being confident in its quality and supporting the specific artisan.

If you are lucky, you might catch one of the temporary exhibitions showcasing works by winners of prestigious regional competitions. This is an opportunity to see the latest and most innovative works in folk toys or stone-carving art. Occasionally, the institute organizes workshops where visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Finding this cultural space is easy, as it is located in a busy part of Tuxtla Gutiérrez on one of the main transport arteries—Boulevard Belisario Domínguez. If you have just arrived, note that there are branches of the institute right at the Ángel Albino Corzo airport, but the main collection and museum await you at Blvd. Belisario Domínguez 2035.

The most comfortable way to get there from the city center is by taxi (popular apps like Uber or Yid are available) or a rental car. The trip takes about 10–15 minutes, and parking is provided on-site for private vehicles. A good landmark for the driver is the Xamaipak neighborhood.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses run regularly along the boulevard. Stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the institute building. Traveling by bus will allow you to better feel the rhythm of local life, though during rush hours, it's better to allow extra time for the journey due to potential heavy traffic.

The history of this unique institution began in 1980, when a special institute was established by gubernatorial decree to support and develop local craftsmen. After changing several names and addresses, the organization finally settled in its current building in 1993. Over decades of work, it has grown from a small center into a massive network connecting more than 25,000 artisans throughout the region.

One of the most dramatic pages in the institute's history was 2002. A major fire almost completely destroyed the priceless collection of the Ethnographic Museum, which consisted of over 14,600 exhibits collected over decades. This was a huge loss for the country's cultural heritage, but it also served as the starting point for a large-scale restoration and renovation of the site.

The modern appearance of the complex is inextricably linked to the creation of the MUSART museum, which replaced the lost archives. Today, the institute doesn't just preserve traditions but actively encourages their development, organizing prestigious annual competitions like the Amber Contest or the Toy Contest. These events help young talents continue their ancestors' work, while the institute regularly replenishes its halls with the best examples of Mexico's contemporary folk art.

To enjoy the exhibition at your leisure and choose memorable gifts, we recommend setting aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. This will be enough time for a thoughtful tour of the six halls of the MUSART museum, where each exhibit is accompanied by a detailed history, as well as for a stroll through the massive shopping hall.

If you are interested in costume history or jewelry, time can fly by, especially if there are temporary exhibitions or conferences on the day of your visit. Serious shoppers should keep in mind that the store features about 50,000 unique items, so the selection process may take longer than initially planned.

The Handicraft Institute is hospitably open to visitors throughout the week; however, the schedule differs significantly between weekdays and weekends:

• Monday – Friday: 09:00 to 20:00
• Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 to 15:00

Since the institution's status is listed as active, you can plan your visit in advance. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the official website before going, as opening hours may change during festivals or public holidays.

After discovering the masterpieces of local artisans in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, it is worth spending some time at other interesting locations. Exploring the surroundings will help you get a deeper feel for the atmosphere of Chiapas and diversify your leisure time with visits to amusement parks or natural sites.