![Aerial view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City, illuminated at dusk. The grand building features a distinctive yellow and orange dome, and the surrounding area includes neatly manicured gardens and bustling streets. Aerial view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City, illuminated at dusk. The grand building features a distinctive yellow and orange dome, and the surrounding area includes neatly manicured gardens and bustling streets.](https://uponreturn.com/wp-content/uploads/AdobeStock_121422769-2048x1366.jpeg)
If you’ve been thinking about doing some art travel, you’re surely planning to go to Mexico City, where art is lived, not just observed. In the heart of this bustling metropolis lies the Museo Nacional de Arte, a treasure trove of Mexican creativity spanning several centuries. Here, you’ll traverse the corridors of history, from the mystic murals of Teotihuacan to the delicate Aztec sculptures and onto the colonial canvases where European baroque mingles with indigenous motifs.
WIth the Spanish conquest in the 1500s, a fusion of Renaissance and Baroque styles took root, infusing earthly sacred spaces with a blend of the celestial. By the 18th century, the Academy of San Carlos had emerged as a beacon of artistic education, though the winds of change were stirring. Visionaries like Miguel Cabrera veered away from ecclesiastical themes, igniting a fervor for nationalistic and secular art that presaged the insurgent spirit of the 19th century.
The seismic shift came with the Mexican Revolution in 1910, marking the rise of muralism—a medium for revolutionary and social commentary. Giants like Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros transformed public spaces into canvases, narrating the Mexican saga through vibrant, indelible strokes.
The 20th century ushered in Mexican modernism, with icons such as Frida Kahlo and Rufino Tamayo delving deep into the soul of Mexican identity and the human experience. As the century progressed, Mexico City became a crucible for abstract expressionism and conceptual art, cemxenting its status as a crucible of contemporary art.
Today, Mexico City’s art scene is a whirlwind marriage of tradition and innovation. This is why you’re headed there. Art is alive in the city—and you and every visitor contribute to its ongoing story. The galleries and museums celebrate both established maestros and bold new voices, while alternative spaces challenge the avant-garde with groundbreaking digital media and experimental art. Here’s what recommend you see:
Our Recommendations
Loose Blues
Loose Blues
Why we like it
A Japanese Mexican concept store and cafe. Great for breakfast or lunch and a browse. Just a really cool place.
Where to find them
C. Dinamarca 44, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06600, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Labor
Labor
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Gral. Francisco Ramírez 5, Ampliación Daniel Garza, Amp Daniel Garza, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11840, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Kurimanzutto
Kurimanzutto
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Cda. Gobernador Rafael Rebollar 94, San Miguel Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11850, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Galería OMR
Galería OMR
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. It’s like walking into a big gallery in NYC. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Córdoba 100, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06700, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Joségarcía
Joségarcía
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
C. Sabino 276, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06400, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Museo Jumex
Museo Jumex
Why we like it
The private collection of Eugeno Lopez Alonso is on display in this fabulous building. Works by Warhol, Hirst, Twombly, Koons, and more. Buy advanced tickets.
Where to find them
Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11520, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Museo Frida Kahlo
Museo Frida Kahlo
Why we like it
Buy advanced tickets and enjoy the cobalt blue home where Kahlo was born and where she lived with husband Diego Rivera. Leave a few hours to enjoy this sensational experience.
Where to find them
Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Mexico City, 04100, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Soumaya
Soumaya
Why we like it
In this stunning building, you will find over 30 centuries of art. It’s a private collection open to the public.
Where to find them
Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11529, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Casa Luis Barragan
Casa Luis Barragan
Why we like it
A highlight of CDMX and under the radar. You MUST reserve with a guide in advance. This is not open to the public. See architect and engineer Luis Barragan’s home in Mexico City. It’s stunningly modern and simple.
Where to find them
Gral. Francisco Ramírez 12, Ampliación Daniel Garza, Amp Daniel Garza, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11840, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Loose Blues
Loose Blues
Why we like it
A Japanese Mexican concept store and cafe. Great for breakfast or lunch and a browse. Just a really cool place.
Where to find them
C. Dinamarca 44, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06600, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Labor
Labor
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Gral. Francisco Ramírez 5, Ampliación Daniel Garza, Amp Daniel Garza, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11840, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Kurimanzutto
Kurimanzutto
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Cda. Gobernador Rafael Rebollar 94, San Miguel Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11850, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Galería OMR
Galería OMR
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. It’s like walking into a big gallery in NYC. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Córdoba 100, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06700, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Joségarcía
Joségarcía
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
C. Sabino 276, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06400, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Museo Jumex
Museo Jumex
Why we like it
The private collection of Eugeno Lopez Alonso is on display in this fabulous building. Works by Warhol, Hirst, Twombly, Koons, and more. Buy advanced tickets.
Where to find them
Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11520, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Museo Frida Kahlo
Museo Frida Kahlo
Why we like it
Buy advanced tickets and enjoy the cobalt blue home where Kahlo was born and where she lived with husband Diego Rivera. Leave a few hours to enjoy this sensational experience.
Where to find them
Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Mexico City, 04100, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Soumaya
Soumaya
Why we like it
In this stunning building, you will find over 30 centuries of art. It’s a private collection open to the public.
Where to find them
Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11529, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Casa Luis Barragan
Casa Luis Barragan
Why we like it
A highlight of CDMX and under the radar. You MUST reserve with a guide in advance. This is not open to the public. See architect and engineer Luis Barragan’s home in Mexico City. It’s stunningly modern and simple.
Where to find them
Gral. Francisco Ramírez 12, Ampliación Daniel Garza, Amp Daniel Garza, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11840, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Food & Accommodations
Our Recommendations
Tetetlan
Tetetlan
Why we like it
Crazy delicious cafe and pastry shop for lunch.
Where to find them
Av. de Las Fuentes 180 - B, Jardines del Pedregal, Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City, 01900, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Pujol
Pujol
Why we like it
It’s beautiful, it’s memorable, the tasting menu is incredible, and the service is impeccable. Hopefully they’ll have the old and new mole when you go.
Where to find them
Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11550, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Octavia Casa
Octavia Casa
Why we like it
Seven magnificent neutral, easy, breezy rooms as a brand extension from a Mexican fashion company. Comfortable, luxurious, and well-located in Condesa.
Where to find them
Av. Amatlan 126, Mexico City, Condesa, 06170, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Hotel San Fernando
Hotel San Fernando
Why we like it
Hip, relaxed modern hotel in the heart of La Condesa (fabulous neighborhood). Chill, inexpensive, and friendly atmosphere.
Where to find them
Iztaccihuatl 54, Hipódromo, Mexico City, 06100, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Loose Blues
Loose Blues
Why we like it
A Japanese Mexican concept store and cafe. Great for breakfast or lunch and a browse. Just a really cool place.
Where to find them
C. Dinamarca 44, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06600, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Labor
Labor
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Gral. Francisco Ramírez 5, Ampliación Daniel Garza, Amp Daniel Garza, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11840, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Kurimanzutto
Kurimanzutto
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Cda. Gobernador Rafael Rebollar 94, San Miguel Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11850, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Galería OMR
Galería OMR
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. It’s like walking into a big gallery in NYC. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
Córdoba 100, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06700, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Joségarcía
Joségarcía
Why we like it
The art scene in CDMX is world class and this is one of the leading galleries. Check out its exhibitions online in advance.
Where to find them
C. Sabino 276, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06400, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Museo Jumex
Museo Jumex
Why we like it
The private collection of Eugeno Lopez Alonso is on display in this fabulous building. Works by Warhol, Hirst, Twombly, Koons, and more. Buy advanced tickets.
Where to find them
Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11520, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Museo Frida Kahlo
Museo Frida Kahlo
Why we like it
Buy advanced tickets and enjoy the cobalt blue home where Kahlo was born and where she lived with husband Diego Rivera. Leave a few hours to enjoy this sensational experience.
Where to find them
Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Mexico City, 04100, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Soumaya
Soumaya
Why we like it
In this stunning building, you will find over 30 centuries of art. It’s a private collection open to the public.
Where to find them
Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11529, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Casa Luis Barragan
Casa Luis Barragan
Why we like it
A highlight of CDMX and under the radar. You MUST reserve with a guide in advance. This is not open to the public. See architect and engineer Luis Barragan’s home in Mexico City. It’s stunningly modern and simple.
Where to find them
Gral. Francisco Ramírez 12, Ampliación Daniel Garza, Amp Daniel Garza, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, 11840, Mexico
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Pro Tips
For a smooth art exploration in Mexico City, it’s wise to purchase timed tickets to museums in advance to streamline your visit. Also, verify the current exhibitions and their opening hours at galleries — not everything you read on websites will be current. To make even more of your experience, consider arranging a guided tour at Casa Luis Barragan for an absolute appreciation of his architectural artistry.
Pair It With
- Movie: Before boarding the plane to Mexico City, watch the 2002 film Frida. It’s a fabulous primer on Frida Kahlo’s life and works, that will undoubtedly frame your experience at all the galleries and museums.