Seven Most Fascinating Museums in the City of Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a cultural powerhouse in Mexico and a tremendous resource for the merely curious and the connoisseur alike.
Oaxaca is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. But it\\\'s also a major contributor to the contemporary cultural scene all over Mexico. The state is also peppered over with significant regional and community museums and cultural centers. Fortunately, they all contribute to the museum scene in the state capital. On the world stage, Oaxaca is a big player. If you\\\'re in the more intimate confines of the city itself, there\\\'s a lot to see and find. That\\\'s part of what makes the city such an important player in the Mexican consciousness. (1) Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Oaxaca - MACO Calle Macedonio Alcalá 202, Centro Contemporary art is a huge part of Oaxaca. It\\\'s not just provincial crafts and tourist painting. The Casa de Cortes is a beautiful 17th-century mansion. But today it hosts the most important art exhibitions in this part of the country. Since 1992, the house somehow fills out 13 separate galleries, and a permanent collection on the second floor. (2)Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños Av. de la Independencia 607, Centro This one just doubles down on the fact that Oaxaca is still so important to contemporary visual culture. This is true in Oaxaca, but across the country. Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Morales, and Francisco Toledo make frequent appearances but the space is used for some truly excellent temporary exhibits running throughout the year, as well as for all kinds of workshops, lectures, and classes. (3) Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca Macedonio Alcalá s/n, Centro, This one occupies a big old monastery. And where better to host the many and varied cultures of the most culturally heavy-duty state in the country. There\\\'s some ancient artifacts, and a little from the colonial period. But the Museum is really dedicated to the living and contemporary peoples of Oaxaca. (4)Museo de Arte Prehispánico Rufino Tamayo Av. José María Morelos 503, Centro Ancient and magnificent artifacts from the collection of Rufino Tamayo himself. Spaces are color-coded according to Tamayo\\\'s own specifications, and this one is, hands-down, a must-visit museum. (5) La Mano Mágica C. Macedonio Alcalá 203, Centro For textiles and artisan work, this one is world class. A broad overview of popular art and artisan production, the gallery founded by Arnulfo Mendoza, a master weaver and painter. The Mano Mágica handles everything with same care and respect, and puts the art back in artisan works. (6) Museo Textil de Oaxaca Miguel Hidalgo 917, Centro More than 10,000 traditional textile works are housed here. Works come from all over Oaxaca and abroad, but many come from Teotitlán del Valle. Even in ancient times that was the most important center of Zapotec weaving. Today, you get an eyeful and the stuff you can buy won\\\'t break on your way home. (7) Museo del Palacio Espacio de la Diversidad Plaza de la Constitucion, south side of the Zocalo The building was converted into a museum only in 2008. It\\\'s was the seat of local government since way back. But today it houses a lot on the local history, and especially on the life and legacy of Benito Juarez. Lots of interactive exhibits keep the kids busy but grown-ups go in for the sheer stately atmosphere and the welcoming vibe. It\\\'s a great day to be in Oaxaca.
The city of Oaxaca is one of the most important destinations for visitors and tourism is the most important industry in the city. People come for the striking landscapes of the Oaxaca Valley, and as much as anything for the architecture and culture of the central city streets.
