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#1 Guide of What to Do in GDL
Art & Museums
Artists and designers are thriving in Mexico’s second largest city!
Artist of the Week
Estudio Libertad offers a courtesy drink and an exclusive
6% discount to TWIG members ~ See more artists!
Carlos González "Tsukuba" 200 X 200 cm ~ Mixta / Tela
Galleries We Love
Estudio Libertad
Offers a courtesy drink and an exclusive 6% discount to TWIG members.
This gallery is visually stunning from start to finish, showcasing all kind of Art and allowing you to meet the artists in person.
HOURS: They open only for appointments.
Address: 44160, C. Miguel Lerdo de Tejada 2319, Americana, 44190 Guadalajara, Jal.
Phone: 33 3189 2888
This gallery is visually stunning from start to finish, showcasing all kind of Art and allowing you to meet the artists in person.
HOURS: They open only for appointments.
Address: 44160, C. Miguel Lerdo de Tejada 2319, Americana, 44190 Guadalajara, Jal.
Phone: 33 3189 2888
Galería Adriana Valdés
Offers an exclusive 5% discount to TWIG members.
A gallery dedicated to the sale of original contemporary art. We have clients in the U.S.A, Australia, New York, Italy, Germany, Cuba, Japan, Mexico. The gallery invites EMERGING artists to start their curricular career and its consolidation. All works have a certificate of authenticity.
Excellent location in Colonia America, personalized attention from its owner, excellent works, and a good place for both collectors and artists.
Address: C. Aurelio Luis Gallardo 215, Ladrón de Guevara, Ladron De Guevara, 44600 Guadalajara, Jal.
Phone: 33 3615 1517
Hours:
Monday 10AM–4PM
Tuesday 10AM–4PM
Wednesday 10AM–4PM
Thursday 10AM–4PM
Friday 10AM–4PM
Saturday 10AM–2PM
Sunday Closed
A gallery dedicated to the sale of original contemporary art. We have clients in the U.S.A, Australia, New York, Italy, Germany, Cuba, Japan, Mexico. The gallery invites EMERGING artists to start their curricular career and its consolidation. All works have a certificate of authenticity.
Excellent location in Colonia America, personalized attention from its owner, excellent works, and a good place for both collectors and artists.
Address: C. Aurelio Luis Gallardo 215, Ladrón de Guevara, Ladron De Guevara, 44600 Guadalajara, Jal.
Phone: 33 3615 1517
Hours:
Monday 10AM–4PM
Tuesday 10AM–4PM
Wednesday 10AM–4PM
Thursday 10AM–4PM
Friday 10AM–4PM
Saturday 10AM–2PM
Sunday Closed
Art: Five Galleries That You Should Visit in Tlaquepaque
A cultural guide with five galleries that both local and international tourism should know.
Guadalajara Has 34 Art Galleries
Guadalajara is described as a "hotbed for artists."
Galleries
Museums
Museums
Museums FREE Days
A self-respecting Tapatío knows which days to access the most iconic and important museums in the city for free :)
Army and Air Force Museum
It's a well-designed Army/Air Force Museum; a lively way to explore Mexican social history.
For anyone interested in WWII history, there's even a real-life example of the planes flown by the famous 201st Squadron in the Philippines -- along with various other historic airships, and a collection of large replica medieval siege-machines and such; all of those exhibited in the large, green (and peaceful) outdoor area. The building itself is lovely.
For anyone interested in WWII history, there's even a real-life example of the planes flown by the famous 201st Squadron in the Philippines -- along with various other historic airships, and a collection of large replica medieval siege-machines and such; all of those exhibited in the large, green (and peaceful) outdoor area. The building itself is lovely.
Casas Luis Barragán
Casa Luis Barragán, built in 1948, represents one of the most internationally transcendent works of contemporary architecture, as acknowledged by the UNESCO when included in their 2004 World Heritage list. It is the only individual property in Latin America to have achieved such a distinct honor.
Luis Barragán is the only Mexican architect that has been awarded a Pritzker prize. He was born in Jalisco and although his most popular house is located in Mexico City, he designed a good number of buildings in Guadalajara, which you can visit to get a sense of why he was highly acclaimed for his dramatic use of light!
Casa ITESO Clavigero, now part of a university, is located in the Americana neighborhood – a good area for a stroll if you want to admire big homes and occasionally pause at one of the many cafes in the area.
When: Guided visit from Monday to Sunday.
Luis Barragán is the only Mexican architect that has been awarded a Pritzker prize. He was born in Jalisco and although his most popular house is located in Mexico City, he designed a good number of buildings in Guadalajara, which you can visit to get a sense of why he was highly acclaimed for his dramatic use of light!
Casa ITESO Clavigero, now part of a university, is located in the Americana neighborhood – a good area for a stroll if you want to admire big homes and occasionally pause at one of the many cafes in the area.
When: Guided visit from Monday to Sunday.
Casa Museo Lopez Portillo
Listen to free classical concerts at the Civilization Museum which vocation is to spread the decorative arts through its collection of antique furniture from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries; as well as promoting the plastic arts of young artists from our metropolitan area in the Gabriel Flores Gallery.
In the musical area, it seeks to promote new musicians: soloists, chamber orchestras and youth symphonies.
Museum in a former palace displaying furniture & antiques, with concerts, recitals & exhibitions.
FREE on Tuesdays.
HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
In the musical area, it seeks to promote new musicians: soloists, chamber orchestras and youth symphonies.
Museum in a former palace displaying furniture & antiques, with concerts, recitals & exhibitions.
FREE on Tuesdays.
HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
Ex Convento Del Carmen
Go because... it offers an area with cultural activities, a church and some old buildings.
This Ex Convent is now a little gallery with 2 floors holding rotating exhibits, the entry is free. It is very small and takes less than an hour to visit.
Short walk from MUSA gallery.
Also it offers some theatre plays with new generation comedians, so just walk in and discover.
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
- We love the restaurant "Quelite." Small place with outdoor garden, great staff and Chef cooking unique Mexican recipes. Simple and quaint but serves dishes that delight the senses.
This Ex Convent is now a little gallery with 2 floors holding rotating exhibits, the entry is free. It is very small and takes less than an hour to visit.
Short walk from MUSA gallery.
Also it offers some theatre plays with new generation comedians, so just walk in and discover.
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
- We love the restaurant "Quelite." Small place with outdoor garden, great staff and Chef cooking unique Mexican recipes. Simple and quaint but serves dishes that delight the senses.
Instituto de la Artesanía Jalisciense
Go because it promotes and preserve the cultural value of handicrafts as a living heritage of a creative tradition.
The institute has a commitment to the Artisan Sector, promoting them through support programs aimed at their social and economic development.
Promote the opening of new national and foreign markets, which allow generating new marketing opportunities for their products.
Located in: Parque Agua Azul
Address: Calz. Jesús González Gallo 20, Rincón del Agua Azul, 44180 Guadalajara, Jal.
HOURS:
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM–5PM
Tuesday 9AM–5PM
Wednesday 9AM–5PM
Thursday 9AM–5PM
Friday 9AM–5PM
The institute has a commitment to the Artisan Sector, promoting them through support programs aimed at their social and economic development.
Promote the opening of new national and foreign markets, which allow generating new marketing opportunities for their products.
Located in: Parque Agua Azul
Address: Calz. Jesús González Gallo 20, Rincón del Agua Azul, 44180 Guadalajara, Jal.
HOURS:
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM–5PM
Tuesday 9AM–5PM
Wednesday 9AM–5PM
Thursday 9AM–5PM
Friday 9AM–5PM
MAZ - Zapopan Museum of Art
It's a stylish art museum showcasing contemporary & provocative paintings, sculpture & multi-media works.
English? No.
When: Tuesday through Sunday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(last entry is at 5:30 p.m.)
Thursday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(last entry is at 9:30 p.m.)(free access)
Where to eat in the neighborhood? Tons of outdoor market restaurants.
English? No.
When: Tuesday through Sunday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(last entry is at 5:30 p.m.)
Thursday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(last entry is at 9:30 p.m.)(free access)
Where to eat in the neighborhood? Tons of outdoor market restaurants.
MURA Museo Raúl Anguiano
The most current museum of Guadalajara.
It accommodates modern and contemporary art. Founded on June 25, 2003, it is the custodian of the collection of one of the most prominent artists in the state of Jalisco, Raúl Anguiano, and it bears his name in honor of him. Similarly, the MURA protects the Guadalajara City Collection, which includes works by relevant artists such as Leonora Carrington, Rufino Tamayo, Gabriel Flores, Javier Campos, Marcos Huerta, Roberto Ramírez Acal, among others.
The MURA has three exhibition rooms, a multipurpose room with capacity for 70 people, a room for the little ones called Niño Anguiano, outside a terrace and 16 murals that prestigious artists intervened on the museum's façade.
Av. Mariano Otero 375, Col. Moderna, Guadalajara, Jalisco
Tel.: 1592 8343 / 3334 4518
museodearte.mura@gmail.com
PRICES:
$22
HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Monday)
It accommodates modern and contemporary art. Founded on June 25, 2003, it is the custodian of the collection of one of the most prominent artists in the state of Jalisco, Raúl Anguiano, and it bears his name in honor of him. Similarly, the MURA protects the Guadalajara City Collection, which includes works by relevant artists such as Leonora Carrington, Rufino Tamayo, Gabriel Flores, Javier Campos, Marcos Huerta, Roberto Ramírez Acal, among others.
The MURA has three exhibition rooms, a multipurpose room with capacity for 70 people, a room for the little ones called Niño Anguiano, outside a terrace and 16 murals that prestigious artists intervened on the museum's façade.
Av. Mariano Otero 375, Col. Moderna, Guadalajara, Jalisco
Tel.: 1592 8343 / 3334 4518
museodearte.mura@gmail.com
PRICES:
$22
HOURS: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Monday)
MUSA Museo de las Artes
This free museum hosts frequent international exhibitions and houses a large collection of Mexican art.
From modern and unusual like the Chicano painters from Southern California to great masters like Diego Rivera and Maria Izquierdo, the MUSA has it all.
When: MUSA is open every day except Monday from 10AM to 5PM.
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
- We love the restaurant "Quelite." Small place with outdoor garden, great staff and Chef cooking unique Mexican recipes. Simple and quaint but serves dishes that delight the senses.
From modern and unusual like the Chicano painters from Southern California to great masters like Diego Rivera and Maria Izquierdo, the MUSA has it all.
When: MUSA is open every day except Monday from 10AM to 5PM.
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
- We love the restaurant "Quelite." Small place with outdoor garden, great staff and Chef cooking unique Mexican recipes. Simple and quaint but serves dishes that delight the senses.
Museo de Arte Huichol Wixarica
At the Museo de Arte Huichol Wixárica (Museum of Huichol Art), visitors can learn more about the typical artesanias made by the Huichol, one of Mexico's many indigenous groups and one that is native to Guadalajara's state, Jalisco.
Embroidery thread and beads are the two materials most commonly used in Huichol art; these are turned into painstakingly detailed figurines and other pieces.
When:
Sun 9am - 2pm
Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm
Embroidery thread and beads are the two materials most commonly used in Huichol art; these are turned into painstakingly detailed figurines and other pieces.
When:
Sun 9am - 2pm
Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm
Museo Cabañas
It's a World Heritage site, once one of the largest hospitals in the Americas and now a museum that houses grand murals by José Clemente Orozco.
an icon of Guadalajara and a World Heritage Site, amaze yourself with the architecture and the impressive frescoes of our great muralist José Clemente Orozco.
When you leave, your little ones will be able to play a little and even take photos on the esplanade with La Sala de los Magos and Los Magos Universales by artist Alejandro Colunga from Guadalajara.
Did you know it's the largest historic building in the city?
English? Yes, tours of the institute are available in English!
When: Mondays through Sundays 11:00 - 17:00. (Tuesdays, free access.)
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
an icon of Guadalajara and a World Heritage Site, amaze yourself with the architecture and the impressive frescoes of our great muralist José Clemente Orozco.
When you leave, your little ones will be able to play a little and even take photos on the esplanade with La Sala de los Magos and Los Magos Universales by artist Alejandro Colunga from Guadalajara.
Did you know it's the largest historic building in the city?
English? Yes, tours of the institute are available in English!
When: Mondays through Sundays 11:00 - 17:00. (Tuesdays, free access.)
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
Museo de la Ciudad
It is a very thorough and well curated museum in a very beautiful colonial building. It covers the entire history of GDL organized by century.
The artifacts were worth the going to this museum in and of themselves. Some of the close to 500 years old and in very good if not completely functional condition.
The building itself was originally a Capuchin convent then converted to barracks, then divided up, finally formed into a museum in 1992.
Free entry and photography allowed.
English? No.
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
- We love the restaurant "Quelite." Small place with outdoor garden, great staff and Chef cooking unique Mexican recipes. Simple and quaint but serves dishes that delight the senses.
The artifacts were worth the going to this museum in and of themselves. Some of the close to 500 years old and in very good if not completely functional condition.
The building itself was originally a Capuchin convent then converted to barracks, then divided up, finally formed into a museum in 1992.
Free entry and photography allowed.
English? No.
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
- We love the restaurant "Quelite." Small place with outdoor garden, great staff and Chef cooking unique Mexican recipes. Simple and quaint but serves dishes that delight the senses.
Museum of Journalism and Graphic Arts
It is popularly known as "The house of dogs" (La Casa de los Perros). There are exhibits about the very first newspaper in Mexico (only 7 editions were published) and many examples of the early machines that were used to print newspapers.
A handsome historic one-time private home which now finds itself on a very busy city street -- but once inside you're in another world. The chronicle of journalism and broadcasting in Guadalajara on the first floor is definitely edifying, and there are pleasant views from the upstairs galleries -- where temporary exhibits are worth seeing.
No one seems to be able to agree on how the 'haunted house' story actually goes, but I like the version where the long-ago owner's dogs were so loyal to him even after his death, that they are honored with statues atop the parapet.
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
Read its fascinating history: https://www.informador.mx/La-Casa-de-los-Perros-sitio-historico-museo-y-leyenda-l202307230004.html
A handsome historic one-time private home which now finds itself on a very busy city street -- but once inside you're in another world. The chronicle of journalism and broadcasting in Guadalajara on the first floor is definitely edifying, and there are pleasant views from the upstairs galleries -- where temporary exhibits are worth seeing.
No one seems to be able to agree on how the 'haunted house' story actually goes, but I like the version where the long-ago owner's dogs were so loyal to him even after his death, that they are honored with statues atop the parapet.
Where to eat in the neighborhood?
- We like the amazing view over the historical center from the rooftop terrace of the restaurant "Piso Siete" (Inside Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Histórico). Serves International food. You need to RESERVE to get a great outdoor view.
- We like the restaurant "Café Chai Ex Convento." They offer both a delightful outdoor and indoor patio in a beautiful historical mansion. Perfect for a nice lunch!
Read its fascinating history: https://www.informador.mx/La-Casa-de-los-Perros-sitio-historico-museo-y-leyenda-l202307230004.html
Museo de Paleontologia
Go because... you'll see Prehistoric fossils, including a saber-tooth tiger & tusked mammoth, plus geology exhibits.
Museo Panteón de Belén
Learn about the legends of Guadalajara, the Vampire, Nachito and the architect that built the cemetery. Each one has a great story.
Its not expensive, however we recommend pay the extra fee that they charge to take pictures. It's worth every penny. The money helps preserve the cemetery.
Its not expensive, however we recommend pay the extra fee that they charge to take pictures. It's worth every penny. The money helps preserve the cemetery.
Museo Regional de Guadalajara
The strength of this museum is its variety - archeological treasures, such as the mammoth skeleton - as well as colonial and later paintings and artifacts. There are interesting examples of machinery used in various lines of work in Jalisco as well. The best part of the exhibit was the collection of monumental paintings of the life of St. Francis.
DISCOVERY: See the Lost 18th century painting that was returned to the people of Guadalajara in November 2022. Learn more: https://news.westernu.ca/2022/12/lost-18th-century-painting-recovered-by-western-prof-returns-restored-to-guadalajara
PRICE: 80 pesos. Free on Sunday.
HOURS: 9AM–4:30PM (Closed on Monday)
Address: C. Liceo 60, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal.
Phone: 33 3613 2703
DISCOVERY: See the Lost 18th century painting that was returned to the people of Guadalajara in November 2022. Learn more: https://news.westernu.ca/2022/12/lost-18th-century-painting-recovered-by-western-prof-returns-restored-to-guadalajara
PRICE: 80 pesos. Free on Sunday.
HOURS: 9AM–4:30PM (Closed on Monday)
Address: C. Liceo 60, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jal.
Phone: 33 3613 2703
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