Mérida is a cultural center with a collection of museums, galleries, theaters, bookstores and libraries to delight all those in search of culture. There are concerts every night, movies, regular art exhibitions, writer’s workshops. The city also boasts several universities, Spanish language institutes and even a school where you can learn the secrets of Yucatecan cuisine.

José Ma. Velasco
Self Portrait

Expo at MACAY

The Regional Anthropology & History Museum
(Museo regional de Antropología e Historia)
This museum is a must on your Mérida sightseeing itinerary. Housed in the mansion known as the Canton Palace, it has interesting exhibits on the ancient Maya. Highlights include gold and jade dredged from the Sacred Cenote at Chichén Itzá, stone carvings and polychrome ceramics that were unearthed at sites throughout the state.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission fee
Palacio Cantón, Paseo Montejo & Calle 43

The Macay Gallery
(Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán)
The work of Yucatecan artists is showcased here, including an exhibition of local son, Fernando Castro Pacheco’s work. Regular exhibitions of work by artists from other parts of Mexico and abroad.
Closed on Tuesday
Main square, Calle 60, next to the Cathedral

The City Museum
(Museo de la Ciudad)
Housed in the sixteenth century San Juan de Dios church, it relates the history of Mérida and has interesting displays on the Mayan city of T’ho.
Closed on Monday
Calle 61 between 58 and 60, behind the Cathedral

Natural History Museum
(Museo de Historia Natural)
Fossils, flora and fauna and more from the Yucatán and further afield.
Closed Mondays
Calle 59 x 84 & 84-A

Museum of Yucatecan Music
(Museo de la Canción Yucateca)
A small museum with displays on the origins of Yucatecan music and the influences that molded it.
Closed Monday. Admission fee
Calle 57 x 48, La Mejorada

Museum of Popular Art
(Museo de Arte y Cultura Popular)
Handicrafts from the Yucatán and other parts of Mexico.
Housed in La Mejorada, a colonial convent.

Juan Gamboa Guzmán Gallery
(Pinacoteca Juan Gamboa Guzmán)
Exhibitions of paintings and sculptures.
Closed Monday. Admission fee
Calle 59 x 58 & 60

Peón Contreras Theater.
Built by Italian engineer Enrique Deserti, to emulate the opulence of a European opera house, this magnificent theater opened its doors in 1908 at the height of the city’s prosperity. Renovated at the beginning of the 1980s, it now hosts plays, concerts and shows.

Take a look at Mérida Downtown here.