Oaxaca City is a place where history and creativity are beautifully preserved and celebrated. Beyond its renowned cuisine, the city pulses with an artistic energy that tells the story of its people and land. Here’s a curated guide to the museums and galleries that truly capture Oaxaca's spirit.
On Reforma, MUFI offers a unique journey through stamps and postal history. It’s more than just a collection; it's a window into communication across time and cultures. Each stamp, a miniature work of art, tells a story of an era, a journey, or a national identity. MUFI also functions as a cultural hub, hosting workshops and exhibitions, providing a quiet space to explore and collaborate.
Housed within the magnificent former convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, this museum is central to understanding Oaxacan culture. It guides visitors through the region's vast history, from ancient civilisations to the present day. Highlights include the breathtaking treasures from Tomb 7 of Monte Albán, offering a tangible link to Oaxaca's pre-Hispanic past. The museum is a key part of the larger Santo Domingo Cultural Centre, which also features an ethnobotanical garden. This extraordinary botanical garden, rich with plant species endemic to Oaxaca and its various ecosystems, can only be explored via a guided tour. Tours are offered at specific times:
English Tours: Generally available at 11:00 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It's advisable to arrive a little early to secure your spot, as people arrive early to start queuing.
As of July 2025, on the garden’s website, they advise that guided tours are only in Spanish at the moment. It would be best to go to the garden entrance to see if this is still the case.
Spanish Tours: Typically at 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00 and 17:00, Monday through Friday.
Situated in a beautifully restored 17th-century building on Av. Independencia, MUPO is dedicated to showcasing Oaxacan painters. It features both established masters and emerging talents, along with national and international exhibitions. This museum vividly illustrates the dynamic and diverse contemporary art scene thriving in Oaxaca. It also usually hosts phenomenal displays during Día de los Muertos.
Located in the historic Casa Antelo on Hidalgo, the Museo Textil de Oaxaca is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional textiles. Since its opening in 2008, the museum has worked to preserve, research, and exhibit textile art from Oaxaca, Mexico, and beyond. Its collection includes intricate pieces that reflect the rich textile heritage of the region, displayed within a beautifully restored 18th-century building.
Found in our favourite neighbourhood, Jalatlaco, on 5 de Mayo, Cordoba Lab is a dynamic art centre. It focuses on promoting and visualising the work of both established and emerging artists. More than just an exhibition space, it serves as a platform for artistic production, offering residencies and educational programs that foster a lively cultural dialogue in Oaxaca. You can also enjoy a takeout coffee from a hole-in-the-wall cafe.
Also in Barrio de Jalatlaco, NN Galería is a space designed to encourage conversation among diverse emerging artistic expressions. It aims to inspire and facilitate the exchange of ideas between artists and the public, showcasing fresh and varied artistic proposals within the Oaxacan art scene.
NUUN Espacio de Arte, located on C. de Manuel García Vigil, is a versatile gallery dedicated to contemporary art. It offers both physical and virtual platforms for exhibiting and promoting artworks and artists. NUUN hosts a range of collective and individual exhibitions, art tours, and collaborations, significantly contributing to Oaxaca’s contemporary art landscape.
These museums and galleries collectively offer a profound insight into Oaxaca’s artistic identity, providing a rich and diverse cultural experience for every visitor.
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