Sala Sergio Peña, Antigua Aduana

Sergio Peña Hall, located in the majestic Old Custom House building, is one of the most atmospheric cultural spaces in the Laredo region. It is a place where history literally comes to life through architectural details, inviting travelers arriving in the USA and the border regions to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past.

This is not just a room, but a true center of cultural life. Originally, the building served as the strategic headquarters for customs, but today it has been transformed into an elegant exhibition hall known as Antigua Aduana. Art exhibitions, official receptions, and important community events are regularly held here, making it a must-visit for all art and history enthusiasts.

Sala Sergio Peña owes its charm to a unique combination of historical heritage and modern functionality. Visitors are drawn to the exquisite interior design and the special aura that has been preserved within these walls for over a hundred years, making it one of the city's primary historical gems.

When planning your visit to Sergio Peña Hall, it is worth checking its location and available contact channels in advance. As the site is part of a historical complex, up-to-date information is often posted on social media.

A visit to this place is, above all, an aesthetic pleasure derived from contact with history. The main thing to do at Sergio Peña Hall is to carefully examine the late 19th-century architecture. High ceilings, massive doorways, and original decorative elements create the perfect backdrop for photoshoots, so don't forget to bring your camera.

Since the space functions as an exhibition hall, visitors can often discover works by local artists or see themed exhibitions dedicated to the region's history. A stroll through the corridors of the Old Custom House allows you to feel the scale of the building and learn more about the development of trade in these parts.

This is an ideal place for those who want to escape the city bustle for a while and spend time in a quiet, intellectual setting. Exploring the architectural features of the project by the great Alfred Giles will provide a wealth of impressions for history buffs and professional photographers alike.

Finding Sergio Peña Hall is quite simple, as it is located in the heart of the historic district. The exact address is Avenida César López de Lara, in the San Rafael sector. The building sits right at the intersection of this avenue and Artega Street, in the area where the customs office was historically located.

The most convenient way to get here is by taxi from the central parts of the city, which ensures comfort and eliminates the need to look for parking. If you prefer to travel by private or rental car, you can use the following coordinates: 27.4884799° N and -99.5163912° W.

The Old Custom House area is well known to locals, so any guide or driver will easily show you the way to this architectural monument. Public transport also runs nearby, connecting the historical center with other parts of the city.

The history of Sergio Peña Hall is inextricably linked to the rapid development of trade in the late 19th century. The Old Custom House (Antigua Aduana) was inaugurated on September 16, 1887, becoming the city's first official headquarters for the customs service. This was largely driven by the arrival of the railroad in 1880, which transformed the region into a key hub for international trade.

The building was designed by the prominent English architect Alfred Giles, whose talent left a significant mark on the landscape of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. His architectural design represents the eclectic style of the late 19th century, harmoniously blending various cultural and aesthetic influences of the era.

Currently, the site is under the protection of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The state carefully monitors the preservation of this architectural monument, periodically conducting restoration work so that Sala Sergio Peña continues to delight the eye with its historical charm and serves as a living testament to the region's commercial greatness.

To leisurely explore the interiors of Sergio Peña Hall and appreciate the scale of the Antigua Aduana building, most travelers find 1–2 hours to be sufficient. This is plenty of time to walk through the halls and take memorable photos against the backdrop of the historic architecture.

If a temporary cultural exhibition or official event is taking place during your visit, we recommend setting aside a bit more time. The tranquil atmosphere of this historical site invites a thoughtful study of every architectural detail and an introduction to the local heritage.

The exact operating hours of Sergio Peña Hall may change depending on cultural programs, temporary exhibitions, and official city events. Since fixed visiting hours are not specified in open sources, tourists are advised to be proactive.

The best course of action is to check for up-to-date information via the official Facebook page or contact the building's administration before your planned visit. This will help ensure you can get inside and plan your trip as efficiently as possible.

Exploring the surroundings of the Old Custom House can significantly enrich your travel experience. There are many historical sites and interesting places nearby that allow for a deeper understanding of the border region's unique culture and rich heritage.

A walk from Sergio Peña Hall to nearby attractions won't take much time, and the variety of monuments, historic hotels, and cultural centers within a few kilometers will make your day fulfilling and educational.