Centro Cultural San Pablo

The history of the San Pablo Cultural Center dates back to the earliest buildings constructed in the city of Oaxaca, as it was the first convent established by the Dominican Order in the state, in the year 1529. Since then, its story has been intertwined with various events, interventions, and transformations: earthquakes, the sale of portions of its land in the 17th century, the nationalization of Church property in 1862, its division into two parts to allow for the creation of what is now Manuel Fernández Fiallo Street, and the subdivision of the remaining land into private lots—all of which shaped its current appearance. Later, what remained of the original cloister, the temple, and the Chapel of the Rosary underwent further modifications, ranging from minor to major. One of the most notable was the construction of a third level around 1920, along with renovations to accommodate a hotel. The former atrium was repurposed first as a warehouse for construction materials and later as a parking lot.

It wasn’t until 2005 that the formal restoration of the San Pablo Cultural Center began, and on November 26, 2011, it officially opened its doors to the public, operating daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Since then, the building has served as a space dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Oaxacan cultural heritage. It supports initiatives related to health, ecology, sports, productive projects, social assistance, education, reading promotion, and—above all—art and culture. The San Pablo Cultural Center also offers visitors a library, exhibition halls, workshops, and artistic and cultural concerts, as well as open-air spaces to enjoy pleasant moments with friends or a partner.