mexico city art tour

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A 9-stop walking guide to Mexico City’s incredible street art

Here's your guide to some of the best street art in mexico city.

Massive kaleidoscopic murals, strange statues, and architecture ranging from the magnificent to the outright bizarre — a walk through Mexico City is an artistic endeavor that will take you past it all. CDMX has long stood among the great art cities of the world, and lately it’s been gaining a reputation as one of the greatest. While much of this notoriety is derived from its abundant, excellent museums — not to mention the fact that it produced the inimitable Frida Kahlo — Mexico City offers a wealth of outstanding art opportunities in its very streets.

• Parque Mexico and Parque España

El Angel de la Independencia

Cocodrilo de leonora carrington, jardin del arte sullivan, monumento a la revolucion, bellas artes, calle violeta, el autentico pato manila.

I’ve come to know it well, having spent several years living across several different districts. If you’re looking for things to do in Mexico City, take a look at a smattering of street art suggestions that can be experienced over the course of an afternoon of walking. I suggest heading out in the morning — by 11:00 a.m. at the latest. Be sure to bring along a water bottle  because you will be walking through Mexico City’s ample sunshine. Mexico has a lot of incredible cities to experience, but there’s no place like CDMX.

Parque Mexico and Parque España

Start in Condesa. You’re most likely already staying in or perhaps near this trendy colonia , which is known for its numerous restaurants, cafes, galleries, and shops, many of which are located in direct proximity of Parque Mexico at the heart of the neighborhood. Walk the path that circles the park along Avenida Amsterdam, grab a coffee or juice at one of the many drink options, then make your way through the dual parks Mexico and España. Here you’ll find several impressive murals, a dog park, an “audiorama” park for silent reading, and a massive bust of Albert Einstein.

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Next, you have a 30-minute walk north to the Angel of Independence, which stands over the center of one of the main traffic circles along Reforma, the city’s central boulevard. This segment is no small jaunt, but you’ll be walking through a charming neighborhood with plenty of random smaller pieces of art scattered about. If you get hungry for breakfast or lunch along the way, stop at Ventanita Café on the Cibeles Plaza for the former or, for the latter, one of the many taco joints just north of Avenida Chapultepec.

Follow Reforma northeast to the statues by the famed surrealist Leonora Carrington. Her enormous Crocodile is the most recognizable and is one of the most iconic works of art in Mexico City. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by Mexico City’s largest skyscrapers, some of which are impressively weird. This is one of the city’s busiest streets, so there are plenty of street vendors offering handicrafts and other wares to browse.

Artists sell their art in this park throughout the week, but it’s got the most to offer on the weekends. Here you can buy a wide range of paintings, handicrafts, jewelry, and so on. If you do happen to visit over the weekend, be sure to walk through the adjacent street market, Tianguis Artesanal Sullivan , where you’ll find plenty of tasty things to eat. If you’re there on a Sunday, have any barbacoa you see and thank me later.

Now you’ll zag back to continue up Reforma — passing some random art along the way — and continue up to Monument to the Revolution. Some call it unique; others call it strange. I say it’s both. Towering at the center of the park that bears its name, the monument offers a massively weird combination of architectural styles. Along the sides of the plaza you’ll find many little bars and cafes that are great options for cooling off with a drink.

Head due east to a large park on the other side of Reforma. This is Bellas Artes, a bustling area with many statues, murals, and the golden-domed Palacio de Bellas Artes standing at its center. You’ve been walking for a couple of hours at this point, so it’s not a bad idea to step inside the palace and check out some of the enormous murals on display, including a number from Diego Rivera, the famed husband of Frida Kahlo.

Jaunt a few blocks north to Violeta, a tiny neighborhood where all the buildings are painted a uniform color of violet. It’s a uniquely picturesque little stretch of the city. You will perhaps notice that there is a heavy police presence here. That’s because Violeta has a rather checkered past with regard to crime. These days it’s pretty safe, though it is wise to visit during the daytime and remain aware of your surroundings. Bonus points for spotting the handful of businesses that openly advertise their cartel affiliations.

Guerreo is another historically troubled (though recently less so) neighborhood just north of Violeta. The central street offers some of the most glorious murals you’ll find anywhere in the world. It does get rather sketchy after dark — especially if you wander off the main avenue — but during the daytime, the murals are a must-see. While the sun is up, feel free to peruse and take photographs . The owners of businesses with some of the more elaborate artworks are more than happy to talk with you about the significance of the displays.

At this point, you’ve wandered across a significant portion of the city proper, so you’re probably tired, hungry, and ready to head back toward your starting point. I’m presuming that you’re staying in Condesa or Roma, so now it’s time to jump in a taxi and zip back to the origin and eat. El Autentico Pato Manila, which has locations in both of these adjacent neighborhoods, offers artistry of flavors representative of your art-filled day. To put that another way, its food is damn good. The menu is concise — duck tacos, duck tortas, duck spring rolls, or duck wantons — but everything on it is extraordinary.

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There are plenty of hotels in Mexico City, but only one gives off vibes like it’s where Batman stays when he visits town: Umbral Hotel, in the city’s Zocalo district. That may seem like a very specific description, but it’s apt, for – whether intentional or not – Umbral has a decidedly gothy style that lends it one of my favorite aesthetics I’ve seen at any hotel anywhere.

Gothy yet luxurious: just my type.

It's a great time to do some foodie travel. There are more culinary travel destinations than ever thanks to a combination of technology, expertise, and regionality. Even the United States, a relatively young nation by global standards, is flexing its gastronomical might nowadays.

Back in 2004, the UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation was born. It continues today, honoring cities all over the planet with unique qualifications. There are 49 cities and counting, including two American cities. The first city to receive the honor was Popayán, Colombia in 2005. Several more will join the list before the end of 2022.

After perusing some world’s best art hotels, we move our focus back home. From the East Coast to the West Coast, there are some incredible places to not only lay your head, but also feast your eyes on stunning artwork in fine stays across these states.

Come with The Manual on a tour from a new exhibit at New York’s Barclay, to the Midwest and South in Cincinnati and Nashville, across the Rockies in Denver, and down into Los Angeles for some of the best art hotels in the United States.

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Tours by architects, art historians and curators of the works of Juan O’Gorman, Mario Pani, Félix Candela, Luis Barragán, Clara Porset and more.

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Discipline: Architecture

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School/Ism: Engineering, Functionalism, Structuralism

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The Juan O’Gorman Tour

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School/Ism: Modernism, Urbanism

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School/Ism: Emotional Architecture, Landscaping, Regionalism

Las Torres de Satélite, La Fuente de los Amantes, Cuadra San Cristóbal & El Bebedero (currently under construction).

The Mexico City Contemporary Art Scene & Gallery Tour

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Mexico City Street Art: A Self-Guided Tour

Last Updated on November 14, 2020

Walking through the urban sprawl of Mexico City, pay close attention to your surroundings. Scattered throughout the concrete maze of streets you will find images of fantastical, phantasmagorical and life-like creatures staring back at you from throughout town. These, and other unique images, constitute a good example of the Mexico City street art you’ll find.

You’ll see these urban art canvases adorning everything from walls to the shutters of shops, and from the gable ends of buildings to the perimeter fencing of construction sites. We’ll show you where to find these, although many have likely been replaced by other works. Join us on an easy, self-guided tour of these Mexico City street art locations with bonus information on displays found belowground in the Metro stations.

Mexico City Street Art in Centro Historico

Where:  The intersection of Calles Emiliano Zapata and De la Santísima, five blocks east Mexico City’s Zocalo. Take Calle Moneda (north side of the National Palace), which becomes Emiliano Zapata. This entire area is pedestrianised.

Spend Some Time in Mexico City and See More During Your Visit

This great city is full of free sights and activities ; we spent six weeks here and found plenty of non-touristy things to do which didn’t cost us a peso. Combine your Mexico City street art tour with some (or all!) of our free attractions.

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The images above are some of our favourite street art installations, located just several blocks from Mexico City’s most famous tourist attractions . This area is free from vehicle traffic, making this a great spot for admiring the prolific amount of urban art on display.

Mexico City Street Art South of the Zocalo

Where:  Avenida 20 de Noviembre, beginning on the south side of Mexico City’s Zocalo. The streets on either side of 20 de Noviembre, José Maria Pino Suárez and 5 de Febrero, feature very similar street art.

Due to the nature of the chosen canvases above, these works are best seen before the shops open (when the shutters are down!), vehicular traffic begins gathering and the sidewalks become congested with pedestrians.

Finding Inspiration for the Art

Mexico City’s street artists draw inspiration from history, mythology, cultural norms, societal deviants, social upheavals, religious symbols, pop icons, pop art and just about anything that causes them to level that can of spray paint and take aim. Their talent is as unique as their subject matter. Their urban masterpieces sit easily alongside the scrawled graffiti tags of the hasty amateurs and the resident grime of city life.

Looking For Someplace to Stay in Mexico City?

You’ll always find somewhere special to stay through Airbnb. From trendy lofts and apartments to unique luxury spots in the city, Airbnb’s Mexico City listings offer something for everyone. Find your ideal place to stay and wake up ready for more of Mexico City!  

Looking for conventional accommodation? We recommend Hotels.com for the best deals and selection in Mexico City and throughout all of Mexico . Choose from resorts, familiar national chains or smaller independent hotels.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to products and services whereby we receive a nominal commission if you make a purchase through one of these links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Please see our Disclaimer for full information.

These pieces aren’t under the protection of a curator and their transitory state is dictated by, well anyone really. All it takes is someone to paint over them or simply deface a piece with their own tag. However strangely enough it seems there may be an unknown code, or respect at least amongst graffiti artists. If you look closely at many of the photos, often you will see the quick scrawl of other tags nearby the focal pieces.

When Mexico City’s Street Art Goes Underground

Accolades must be given to the city for having the foresight to recognise how drab it must be for pedestrians to commute about their daily lives through 140.7 miles of rail and subterranean tunnels linking the labyrinth of 195 Metro stations . Their solution to this conundrum: Provide distractions in the form of sculptures, installations, murals, rotating exhibits and archaeological displays, all for the enjoyment of the general public and all for the meagre fare of 20 MXP (.30¢).

Where: Bellas Artes Metro Station

This sprawling Metro station serves one of Mexico City’s most famous attractions: Palacio de Bellas Artes. You’ll likely find yourself passing through this station at some point; enjoy the wealth of belowground art located here during your commute!

Where: Garibaldi/Lagunilla Metro Station

Where: Auditorio Metro Station

This station features an interesting caricature mural of famous rock musicians. Hop out here and spot your favourite group or musical performer. These murals, by artist Jorge Manjarrez , are worth a good look – is your favourite musician included?

Where:  Chabacano Metro Station features more rock stars, this time perched above a library also located underground.

We have only experienced a fraction of what’s on offer in this netherworld. Who knows what treasures lay in any of the subway stations we haven’t passed through but as you can see, that 0.30¢ fare could keep one occupied all day if seeking out subway art is your thing.

Mexico City Street Art Will Grow on You

The city itself is a canvas for many artists who display their works anywhere and everywhere, from the prominent to the discreetly tucked away.

Where: Calle Regina, between Avenidas Simon Bolívar and Isabel de Católica in Mexico City’s Centro Historico.

Sometimes it takes a little effort to seek out art and sometimes you just happen upon a find . Perhaps a vertical garden is just what you were looking for! You never know what you’ll see just by looking up.

Mexico City’s Parks Feature Art, Too

Small local parks offer exhibit opportunities too. These spaces attract young hipsters, skateboard kids, dog-walkers, young and old lovers, joggers, local residents making their way home and indeed often these parks serve as the home to many of the city’s more unfortunate residents. Art and life cohabitate side by side.

Where: Plaza de la Concepción, located next to Hotel Diligencias on Calle Belisario in Mexico City’s Centro Historico.

Artists Jorge Manjarrez (see the Auditorio murals above) and Sebastian Cast were featured in this display at Plaza de la Concepción. It’s gone now, likely replaced by some other creative installation. Stop and see what’s on display if you’re passing by.

Discover Street Art Almost Anywhere in Mexico City

Why not get out and see what colourful displays will be revealed on your next visit? To inspire you we’ve included random images of street art found throughout Mexico City during our travels. What and where will your favourite street art be?

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16 Comments

Rebecca, We are happy to hear you enjoyed the photos in the post! Keep following us on the blog; all the support helps! Your Drifters, Fiona and Jerry

You guys are awesome! Beautiful photos–thank you for sharing!

Glenda, Thanks for looking into the post! Mexico City is a favourite of ours for many reasons. The urban art throughout is quite amazing and it adds another dimension to this city. Please keep following along on our site, as we hope to post more of Mexico City in the future. Your Drifters, Fiona and Jerry

I’m in the basement with the dog trying to minimize the effects of fireworks on July 4 and thought it would be the right time to check in on you! I’m glad I did! I hope you can still realize your plans to take off at the end of the summer. Love to you!

Hi Barbara, Hope the pup got through the fireworks o.k. We just bought a second-hand tandem kayak for paddling around the Baja Peninsula for the beginning of our planned adventure – Phase I! We’ve got a ton of stuff to do but all plans are go. Thanks a million for following us and please check in on our preparations to hit the road and travel along with us as our adventure unfolds… Your Drifters, Fiona and Jerry

Amazing photos and very talented artists. Jerry and Fiona you can write a book of all your drifts. I am so proud of you two. This blog is awesome and very interesting.

You are right, the artists are very talented; these works do a great job of adding even more vibrancy to Mexico City. Sometimes we feel we can never run out of things to write about when it comes to Mexico and Mexico city, for we are so captivated by the whole country. We hope you keep enjoying and sharing the blog, and we thank you for all of your support! Your Drifters, Fiona and Jerry

Well said! I quite enjoy both of your literary voices. 🙂

Thanks Johanna for reading our wee insights! We really appreciate it and we enjoy writing them. Please continue to follow our travels and travails! Thanks a million, Your Drifters, Fiona and Jerry

Hey there drifter’s ?. It’s so fun to read your blogs! Have a blessed week!!?

Ronda, It is always good to get a few comments. We are very happy you enjoy the posts, and it is always lovely to hear from you. Do keep reading them! Your Drifters, Fiona and Jerry

Thank you for this post Fiona. And Jerry. You have heard the phrase “eye candy” I’m sure. This art satisfies many a sweet tooth. Jerry….your Gr!andfather would be jealous in that he never thought to use a Venetian blind as his “canvas.”. Nice. DAD

Eye candy is a great way to put it! A visual feast for certain. We have fallen hard for Mexico City. You never really know what is around the next corner; the artwork is everywhere. Although we have spent 5/6 weeks there we feel like we still have so much more to see. In this way Mexico City is like an unfinished piece for us! Thanks for the comment and encouragement. They mean so much to us. Your Drifters, Fiona and Jerry

Awesome art. The vertical garden I would have probably walked by without looking up. The word graffiti takes on a new meaning when I look at some of the street art. Thanks for sharing.

Bill. Mexico City is certainly like no other. Even after 5/6 weeks there, we feel there is much more to see. And the food… There is a definite spirit to the people in Mexico, and that spirit is turned up a notch or two in Mexico City. It can be a bit overwhelming when we think of all the graffiti photo opportunities we may have missed. Your Drifters, Fiona and Jerry

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6 alternative and arty ways to discover Mexico City culture

Amid art deco architecture and Frida Kahlo’s creations, find Mexico City’s pre-Hispanic traditions and an Indigenous crafts scene.

Mexico’s sprawling capital is a gateway to the country’s Maya ruins, miles of beaches, rocky canyons and traditional Indigenous villages. But many travellers find the metropolis has an allure all of its own, and a handful of days can be well spent touring its neighbourhoods and historic centre. Mexico’s best museums are here, and its many galleries and markets help facilitate one of the strongest creative scenes in Latin America. Dig a little deeper to find the city’s pre-Hispanic roots, and discover how many customs are linked to the ancient Aztec and Maya civilisations.

1. Kayak the ancient canals of Xochimilco

Before the Spanish conquest in 1521, Mexico City, then called Tenochtitlán, was built on two small islands inside Lake Texcoco. The Aztecs built canals and floating farms called chinampas to feed its growing population. Today, all that remains of these ancient waterways are in Tláhuac and Xochimilco, a neighbourhood 15 miles south of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico. Flat-bottomed party boats called trajineras cruise Xochimilco’s canals daily, but a guided kayaking trip provides a more tranquil — and environmentally friendly — visit. Tours offer the chance to spot Xochimilco’s wildlife, including the critically endangered axolotl salamander and more than 200 bird species, while learning about the history and science behind chinampas, which still provide food for Mexico City residents.

2. Browse the Museo de Arte Popular

In the historic centre of Mexico City is the Museo de Arte Popular , a beautifully designed handicraft museum housed inside a 1920s art deco building. The museum, which once served as Mexico City’s fire department headquarters, celebrates traditional Mexican craft in all its forms, from textiles and pottery to children’s toys, furniture and giant alebrijes — mythical creatures made from wood or papier-mache. High-quality crafts from almost every Mexican state are displayed thematically over several floors, including ceramics from Jalisco, piñatas from Puebla and ceremonial masks from Chiapas. Particularly striking are the small but impressive Day of the Dead craft collection and the á rbol de la vida (tree of life) pieces – colourful, intricate clay sculptures depicting the creation of life.

3. Sip on pulque, the drink of the Aztec gods

Pulque is a drink made from the fermented sap of agave, the same plant used to make tequila and mezcal. It has been drunk for more than 2,000 years, making it Mexico’s oldest alcoholic beverage. During the Aztec empire, pulque was considered a sacred drink, reserved for gods, emperors and ceremonial events. The introduction of beer and distilled spirits by the Spanish in the 16th century marked the beginning of the end for pulque, with many of Mexico City’s pulquerias — taverns specialising in the drink — closing between the early 20th and 21st centuries. But a recent resurgence has seen several reopen across the city, making it one of the best places in Mexico to try the tipple. La Canica — a pulqueria in the Tabacalera neighbourhood run by a family that has been in the pulque business for five generations — takes a modern approach to the ancient drink, infusing freshly made pulque with dozens of seasonal flavours, from guava and mandarin to marzipan and toasted oats.

4. Try Mexico City’s ancient caviar

Ahuautle — which loosely translates to ‘seeds of joy’ in the ancient Nahuatl language and are also known as ‘water fly eggs’ — were sacred to the Aztecs. During the rainy season, a type of water fly called axayácatl would lay its eggs in Lake Texcoco. These were harvested for Aztec emperors and used as offerings to the gods. Montezuma, one of the last emperors of the Aztec empire, is said to have eaten them every morning to improve his strength. Hard to get hold of and up to four times more expensive a kilogram than beef, the eggs have been dubbed ahuautle , the ‘caviar’ of Mexico, by the capital’s chefs. Only a handful of restaurants in the capital still serve ahuautle, one of which is Ayluardo’s — in the Iztapalapa neighbourhood, in the east of Mexico City. It serves the water fly eggs — which taste intensely fishy, similar to dried shrimp — in pancakes with tomatillo (a bright green, acidic fruit native to Mexico) and serrano chilli sauce.

5. Support indigenous crafts at Mercado de Artesanías de la Ciudadela

Just a few minutes’ walk from Museo de Arte Popular is this hub for artisans, Mexico City’s largest and best arts and crafts market. It is home to 350 stands selling a huge variety of crafts, or artesanias in Spanish, from all over Mexico, including handblown glass from Jalisco, silver jewellery from Guerrero and patterned chaquira beadwork from Jalisco, crafted by the indigenous Huichol people. For beautiful ceremonial Mayan masks made of wood and obsidian, head to stand 104, where you’ll often see the craftspeople at work. Also seek out the artisans selling amate — colourful works painted on to paper made from the pulp of fig and mulberry trees; the same type of paper was once used by the ancient Aztecs and Mayas to produce manuscripts.

6. Experience Mexican folk dance at El Ballet Folklórico de México

Founded in 1952 by choreographer and dancer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico celebrates Mexico’s diverse folklore traditions through dance, music and traditional dress. The performances take audiences from Mexico’s ancient past up to the revolution in 1910, travelling through the states of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Sonora, Zacatecas, Guerrero and more. Many of the dances take inspiration from Mexico’s Indigenous cultures, such as the Deer Dance (a contemporary piece that depicts a pre-hunting ritual practised by the Indigenous people of Sonora and Sinaloa) and the Guelaguetza, a folkloric ballet inspired by the ceremonial dances of the Mixtec and Zapotec people of Oaxaca. Performances are held at the Palacio de Bellas Artes — a white-marbled, art nouveau palace commissioned by President Porfirio Díaz in 1905 — on Wednesdays at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9.30am and 8.30pm.

Related Topics

• CULTURAL CONSERVATION
• ART HISTORY
• MODERN HISTORY

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Mexico City Art Scene: Exploring Murals, Museums, Art Galleries & More

By Soumya Gayatri. This guide to art in Mexico City contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking to explore the Mexico City art scene?

Then you’re in the right place!

Once home to renowned Mexican artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Rufino Tamayo, Mexico City has a rich and vibrant art scene.

From taking guided walks through a historic center full of colorful murals to shopping for contemporary art in the bohemian neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa, Mexico City offers many unique artsy experiences.

To help you explore it for yourself, here is a comprehensive art guide for Mexico City. Discover art galleries, museums, murals, and more!

⏳ Short on time? Here are some top picks for exploring Mexico City’s art scene: 🏨 Artsy Hotels: Hotel San Fernando (La Condesa), Le Méridien Mexico City (Reforma), and Camino Real Hotel (Polanco) 🎨 Art-Focused Tours: – Mexico City Street Art Bike Tour – Muralist Art Semi Private Walking Tour in Mexico City Downtown – Coyoacán & Xochimilco including Frida Kahlo Museum ➡️ Click here for a full list of Mexico City art tours 🖌️ Art Museums & Galleries: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House Studio , Museum of Modern Art , and the Museo National de Arte – though keep in mind that this is just a small sampling of your many options

Table of Contents

Best Neighborhoods For Exploring Mexico City’s Art Scene

Historic center of mexico city.

Whether you’re visiting Mexico City for a few days or more, you have to spend time exploring the Historic Center of Mexico City . It offers a great mix of both contemporary and traditional Mexican art, and is absolutely the best place for art enthusiasts visiting the city.

Filled with colonial buildings adorned with vibrant murals, Aztec ruins showcasing ancient frescoes, and nondescript shops featuring attractive street art, the Mexico City Historic Center is truly the most artistic place to be.

Visitors will love a tour of the National Palace where Diego Rivera painted some of his most famous murals including the magnificent History of Mexico .

The Secretariat of Public Education , a hidden gem, offers more murals by Rivera depicting local life, festivals, and customs.

At Calle Regina , you’ll find a ton of street art including the Meeting of Styles street art and graffiti exhibition. Much of it is painted on shop shutters, so wait until evening when the shutters go down and you can enjoy the art everywhere.

Finally, don’t miss Museo de Arte Popular which houses an incredible repository of Mexican folk art including alebrijes, textiles, pottery, and metalwork.

🎨 Pro tip: Want to see the best art this area has to offer? Book a mural tour of Mexico City’s Historic Center !

Roma & Condesa

The bohemian neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa in Mexico City are every art lover’s dream.

Over time, these neighborhoods have become magnets for artists and painters from all over the world.

That’s why they are both now filled with eclectic street art and upscale art galleries. The diversity of art on display in Roma and Condesa is truly astouding and is a reason in itself to visit Mexico City .

Be sure to step into Galleria OMR , one of Mexico’s leading art galleries that displays a wonderful mix of Mexican and international art.           

Some of the other notable museums include X Espacio , Arto Otra , and Proyecto Mexico Antiguo .

For street art in Mexico City, head to Plaza Rio de Janeiro , Calle Zacatecas , and Plaza Luis Cabrera .

🎨 Pro tip: Prefer to explore these Mexico City arts districts with a guide? Opt for a private art & culture tour of Roma and Condesa or a private art tour of La Roma .

The quaint neighborhood of Coyoacan was once home to the celebrated Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.

Kahlo was born in Casa Azul or the Blue House, which is now a museum in Coyoacan . She lived in the house with her husband, Diego Rivera for many years and created some of her finest paintings during that time.

Not very far away is the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum which houses a treasure trove of pre-Hispanic artifacts that Rivera collected during his lifetime.

With the eternal legacy of Kahlo and Rivera behind it and some interesting street art, Coyoacan is, undoubtedly, one of Mexico City’s most artsy neighborhoods. 

🎨 Pro tip: You can explore this neighborhood on a guided excursion while visiting other important Mexico City cultural spots – like a Frida Kahlo’s House, Coyoacan & Xochimilco Tour ( private option here ) or an excursion to visit Xochimilco, Coyoacan, Estadio Azteca, and UNAM !

The colorful borough of San Angel is another great neighborhood to explore the virbant Mexico City art scene.

This is where you’ll find the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House Studio . Both Kahlo and Rivera lived and painted in this house – which is actually a set of two houses connected by a bridge – together. The twin houses are now a museum where you can see Rivera’s amazing paper mâché collection.

The lesser-known Museo Casa del Risco has an extensive collection of religious art from Europe, landscapes, and portraits. The museum’s collection of 10 stained glass windows dating to the 16 th century is awe-inspiring.

Mercado Melchor Muzquiz , the local market in San Angel, has one of the largest collections of colorful murals by Ariosto Otero Reyes, a contemporary Mexican artist. Covering both the interior and exterior walls of the market, these murals depict the history and culture of Mexico.

🎨 Pro tip: For a creative San Angel excursion, book a Saturday Bazaar, Convent of Carmen & San Angel Tour or a San Angel Mexican Food & Culture Tour .

Colonia San Rafael or the San Rafael neighborhood in the borough of Cuauhtemoc is an upcoming, and often overlooked, artsy destination in Mexico City.

Home to the wealthy and affluent during the Porfiriato – an era of dictatorial rule during Porfirio Díaz’s presidency of Mexico – San Rafael now plays host to young artists and chic art galleries.

The neighborhood has an eclectic collection of Mexico City art museums like the El Eco , Espectro Electromagnetico , and Taller Lu’um .

Additionally, there’s Jardin del Arte Sullivan , San Rafael’s open-air art market where local artists and sculptors sell their creations. It is the perfect place to shop for authentic Mexican art pieces if you want to take one home.

San Rafael is perfect for art enthusiasts looking to escape the crowds of the Historic Center and the exorbitant prices of Roma and Condesa. This also make it popular with people traveling solo in Mexico City .

Where To See Street Art & Murals In Mexico City 

The importance of street art in mexico city.

Mexico City has been the center of Mexican muralism ever since the mural movement began in the country in the 1920s .

After the Mexican Revolution, the government decided that murals were a colorful way of uniting the people of Mexico. Art was the best way to reach out to remote, unlettered communities and convey a united vision of Mexico.

Mural masters such as Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros painted massive murals depicting life, culture, and festivities but most importantly the political beliefs and the mixed heritage of the Mexican people. For the first time, the concept of Mestizo became crucial in the formation of a new, independent country.

In Mexico City, murals are not just a form of art. They are the very essence of Mexican identity.

If you’d like to dig deeper into Mexican culture, exploring its murals is a great way to do it. Here’s a list of the best places to see murals in Mexico City. 

Palacio National

Begin your Mexico City mural tour at the impressive Palacio National or the Mexican National Palace.

A stunning example of colonial architecture, the National Palace is also home to several awe-inspiring murals by the maestro himself, Diego Rivera. His History of Mexico mural that covers three towering walls of the palace’s stairwell is absolutely unmissable.

The National Palace is now the seat of the Mexican government. Therefore, you can explore the murals only on an authorized guided tour that you can easily sign up for.

Secretariat of Public Education

One of the best, often overlooked, places to see murals in Mexico City is the sprawling campus of the Secretariat of Public Education .

The walls of the secretariat’s courtyards are adorned with more than 200 mural panels painted by Diego Rivera in the 1920s.

Each mural tells a unique story, offering insights into the culture, customs, and traditions of Mexicans.

The Public Education complex is different from other mural places in CDMX because the overarching theme here is culture instead of politics – which dominates the paintings in the other places. Therefore, it is a must-visit place for art enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

UNAM Central Library

The Central Library at UNAM or Mexico’s National Autonomous University has its entire façade covered with murals.

The murals, created by Juan O’Gorman from thousands of colored tiles, represent ancient, colonial, and modern periods of Mexican history. Collectively, they are known as the “Historical Representation of Culture” mural.

The Central University Campus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.

Paseo de la Reforma

One of the best places to see street art in Mexico City is Avenida Paseo de la Reforma , the wide central road that cuts through the heart of the city.

Spot Mexico City’s most eclectic street art pieces as you wander through Paseo de la Reforma.

One of the most famous ones is the Tree of Life mural on the façade of Fontan Reforma Hotel .

The Flying in Sorority mural (depicted in the picture above), which honors feminist movements in Mexico, is a recent addition. There are several more, each with a unique story of how it came to be.

Casa de Azulejos

Downtown Mexico City is dotted with artsy buildings. One of the unmissable ones is Casa de Azulejos or the “House of Tiles”.

Apart from featuring a beautiful façade adorned with blue and white Talavera tiles, Casa de Azulejos is also home to a magnificent mural called Omniscencia .

Painted by Jose Clemente Orozco in 1925, Omniscencia depicts Mexico’s sociopolitical values from the early 20 th century.

Chapultepec Castle

Art enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Chapultepec Castle for its large collection of murals painted by some of Mexico’s most famous artists. Visiting is one of the top things to do in Mexico City .

Do not miss the poignant The American Intervention by Gabriel Flores adorning the dome of the main entrance, Eduardo Solares’ Allegory of the Revolution in the main stairway, and David Alfaro Siqueiros’ Porfirismo to Revolution in the Siqueiros Room.

🎨 Pro tip: There are a variety of guided tours that include this site, like: 📍 Private Tour in Mexico City Downtown & Anthropology Museum & Chapultepec Castle 🧬 Chapultepec Castle & Anthropology Museum Tour 🏰 Private Tour to Chapultepec Castle

The neighborhood of Roma Norte , which is also a Mexico City arts district, is well known for its eclectic collection of street murals, artsy cafes, and classy art galleries.

Be sure to look out for the vibrant animal mural by Farid Rueda, an artist of international acclaim. There are many more by local and international artists including Jorge Tellaeche and Aaron Glasson.

La Roma is also the best place to shop for contemporary art in Mexico City.

Pyramids of Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is an unlikely addition to this list of artsy spaces in Mexico City but an important one nevertheless.

That’s because the Teotihuacan Archeological Site is one of the best places to see the murals created by the ancient people of Teotihuacan, dating back more than 2000 years.

There are several interesting murals at Teotihuacan, the mural of the Jaguar being a famous one. You’ll find colorful paintings on the walls of the Palace of Butterflies and the Tepantitla Architectural Complex .

There’s even an in-house Beatriz de la Fuente Mural Museum that displays over fifty mural reliefs excavated on site which you can easily visit on day trip to Teotihuacan from Mexico City .

Mexico City Art Galleries To Visit 

Blue house or casa azul or frida kahlo museum.

The Blue House is one of Mexico City’s most popular art galleries where you can see Frida Kahlo’s best creations.

Also known as Casa Azul, the Blue House in Coyoacan is the house where Kahlo was born and spent her life with her family and her husband, Diego Rivera. This is also the house where Kahlo breathed her last. No doubt, La Casa Azul is the mecca for art lovers around the world.

The museum has several rooms displaying Kahlo’s personal art collection, pre-Hispanic sculptures, folk art, photos, and documents. You can walk into the artist’s bedroom and kitchen and soak in the vibe of her beautiful home that inspired her to create.

Unmissable highlights from the permanent collection at the Blue House include iconic Frida Kahlo paintings such as Viva la Vida and her first self-portrait.

There’s also a small souvenir shop onsite where you can buy Frida Kahlo-inspired jewelry, books, and other knick-knacks.

Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House Studio

If you’d like to see where Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo worked and painted together, head to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House Studio in the San Angel neighborhood of Mexico City.

As mentioned above, the studio includes two houses connected by a small bridge. Designed by famous architect Juan O’Gorman, these two houses functioned as separate working studios for the couple yet allowed them to ideate and work together when required.

The house studio is a museum now and showcases an amazing collection of Diego Rivera’s papier mache figurines, also known as the Judas collection.

Palacio Bellas Artes

Culture enthusiasts and art seekers cannot miss Palacio Bellas Artes or the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City’s Historic Center.

Often touted as an art lover’s paradise, Palacio Bellas Artes is home to some of the most comprehensive collections of Mexican art.

This artistic venue is housed in a beautiful, 20th-century Art Nouveau and Art Deco building and is the headquarters of the Mexican National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL).

The Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City has on display several murals by famous artists such as Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and David Alfaro Siquerios. In addition, the museum also houses a remarkable collection of paintings, photography, and sculptural exhibits.

Visitors often head to Palacio Bellas Artes for their popular Folkloric Ballet by Amalia Hernandez that’s held every Sunday and Wednesday. 

Galleria OMR

Galleria OMR is one of the best contemporary art galleries in Mexico City. Founded in 1983, OMR is a renowned name in local and international art space.

They promote both established and emerging artists and participate in many popular art fairs including Art Basel, Art Basel Miami, Art Brussels, and Zona MACO Mexico.

This avant-garde Mexico City art gallery is located in the heart of the Roma district and is a must-visit for every art enthusiast traveling to the city.

Another one of the best art galleries in Mexico City is Mooni , where you can shop for art from new and upcoming artists.

Mooni is an inclusive exhibition space that promotes fresh talent. They have over 150 artists in their catalog.

The best part is that you can shop for Mooni art online on their official website and pick it up from their galleries in Roma and Condesa.

Mexico City Art Museums To Visit 

Museo national de arte (munal).

Museo National de Arte (MUNAL) is Mexico’s National Museum of Art. It was founded in 1982 and houses a massive collection of Mexican art in the country and is one of the top museums to visit in Mexico City.

MUNAL has more than 3500 art pieces including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and folk art.

Most of it dates to the period between the 16 th century and 1954, the Viceregal era. Therefore, it provides interesting insights into the growth and development of Mexican art from the early colonial period to the creation of modern Mexico.

Museo Soumaya

Located in the posh neighborhood of Polanco, Museo Soumaya is one of Mexico’s most avant-garde art museums with modern architecture and a sleek design.

Home to more than 60,000 pieces of art, the Soumaya Museum is one of the world’s largest art museums. The collection is spread over 6 floors and is full of works by European old masters, Mexican art from the Viceregal era, and pre-Hispanic collections.

The museum is open every day from 10:30 am – 6:30 pm and is free to enter.

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art or Museo de Arte Moderno is a contemporary art museum in Mexico City that hosts over 3,000 art pieces from the 20 th and 21 st centuries.

These include sculptures, photographs, and paintings including many by Mexican grandmasters such as Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, Rufino Tamayo, and Frida Kahlo.

Located in the heart of Chapultepec Park , the Modern Art Museum is one of the lesser-known art museums in Mexico City. If you’re looking for a peaceful but artsy space in CDMX, be sure to visit.

Museo Tamayo

The Tamayo Museum is another contemporary art museum located in the middle of Chapultepec Park . It was founded by famous Mexican artist, Rufino Tamayo in 1981 and has a large collection of artworks by Tamayo himself.

The real motivation behind the founding of Museo Tamayo was to give the Mexican people an opportunity to learn about contemporary international art.

Because of this, the collection includes paintings and sculptures by some of the world’s most renowned artists of the 20 th century – Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Franz Kline, and Roberto Matta.

It’s a popular art museum in Mexico City you won’t want to miss!

Anahuacalli Museum

The Anahuacalli Museum by Diego Rivera in the Coyoacan neighborhood of Mexico City is an interesting art museum to add to your Mexico City itinerary.

Anahuacalli is different from the other museums in the city because it was designed by Diego Rivera himself to house his large collection of pre-Hispanic artwork. The building, inspired by Toltec and Mayan architecture, is an attraction in itself.

Want to visit more than one Mexico City art museum? Good news: Entrance to the Anahuacalli Museum is included in the admission ticket of the Frida Kahlo Museum , so you can easily combine the two on a day out in Coyoacan.

Mexico City Art Tours

To really gain a deep understanding of Mexico City’s art scene, consider booking a guided tour. A few top-rated Mexico City art tours include:

• 🚲 Mexico City Bike & Cultural Tour including Diego Rivera’s Murals & Papantla Flyers Show
• 🎨 Mexico City Street Art Bike Tour
• 🖌️ Muralist Art Semi Private Walking Tour in Mexico City Downtown
• 😍 Coyoacán & Xochimilco including Frida Kahlo Museum
• ✨ Frida Kahlo Museum VIP: Skip-the-line & Bikes & Churros

➡️ Click here for a full list of Mexico City art tours .

Artsy Mexico City Hotels

Instead of just exploring the Mexico City art scene during the day, why not immerse yourself in art overnight? Mexico City is home to a number of art-themed hotels, a few of which include:

🏨 Hotel San Fernando (La Condesa). This boutique hotel transforms a 1947 apartment building into a gorgeous property full of art deco details, vibrant jewel tones, stained glass windows, and furniture and design pieces by local artists from Mexico.

🎨 Le Méridien Mexico City (Reforma). Located on the mural-filled Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, this luxury property worked with local Mexican artists to create its inspiring design. Additionally, guests get discounted access to local arts and culture attractions through their Unlock Art program.

🛏️ Camino Real Hotel (Polanco). This luxe eco-friendly hotel sits near to some of Mexico City’s best art attractions like Chapultepec Castle, Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art, and Museo de Arte Moderno. Inside you’ll find murals by local Mexico City artists.

➡️ Click here for a full list of Mexico City hotels . You can also use this map to peruse hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and more. It’s currently set to the La Roma neighborhood, but you can easily change it:

Mexico City Travel Insurance

Before visiting Mexico City, it’s important to get travel insurance. Of course, you never think something will go wrong, but it always can – especially when you’re being active.

One top provider recommendation is  SafetyWing  as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Mexico City Art Scene: FAQ 

Now that we’ve discussed how to explore Mexico City’s art scene, let’s discuss some frequently asked questions:

Q) Is there an arts district in Mexico City?

There are several arts districts in Mexico City including the bohemian neighborhood of La Roma that’s full of contemporary street art pieces and chic urban galleries, the traditional Historic Center that was once (and still is) the canvas of Mexican muralists, and colorful Coyoacan that was home to both Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Q) What are some contemporary art galleries in Mexico City?

Some of the contemporary art galleries in Mexico City include the Frida Kahlo Museum, Museo Tamayo, Galleria OMR, Mooni, Museum of Modern Art, the House of Gaga, and many more.

Q) Who are some famous painters in Mexico?

Some of Mexico’s famous painters include Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros.

Q) Where can I buy art from Mexico in Mexico City?

If you’re looking to shop for traditional Mexican art in Mexico City, head to the La Ciudadela Artisan Market where you’ll find an amazing collection of Mexican handicrafts including Talavera pottery, alebrijes, Otomi dolls, and embroidered textiles. For good deals on paintings by local artists, head to Jardin del Arte Sullivan open-air market in San Rafael.

Q) Where can I buy paintings in Mexico City?

You can buy paintings at one of the many art galleries dotting the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods in Mexico City. Be sure to head to Mooni Gallery for fresh talent or take a walk through Jardin del Arte Sullivan in the San Rafael neighborhood for some enticing art by local painters. 

Final Thoughts On The Mexico City Art Scene

With a vibrant street art scene and an eclectic set of museums and galleries, Mexico City is a true haven for every art lover in this world.

Whether you wish to learn all about the history of Mexican muralism, marvel at colonial art pieces, shop for contemporary artwork, or simply stroll through alleys filled with vibrant street art, Mexico City is the perfect place to be.

Bonus Mexico Travel Resources

21 Best Vegan Resorts In Mexico

How To Enjoy A Silent Meditation Retreat In Mexico

Exploring Mexico City’s Culture & Cuisine Beyond Avocados

Solo Travel In Mexico City: Your Ultimate Guide

How Tourism Is Saving Oaxaca’s Sea Turtles

Artisanal Tequila Distilleries In Mexico You Have To Visit

What would you add to this Mexico City art scene guide?

About The Author

Soumya is a culture enthusiast who has traveled to more than 30 countries in her quest for art, architecture, history, and food. Her writings about cultural travel have been published in BBC Travel and Architectural Digest . Through her travel blog, Stories by Soumya , she helps her readers plan immersive cultural trips around the world.

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• Mexico City Art Scene: Exploring Murals, Museums, Art Galleries & More - Oct 19, 2023

Soumya is a culture enthusiast who has traveled to more than 30 countries in her quest for art, architecture, history, and food. Her writings about cultural travel have been published in BBC Travel and Architectural Digest. Through her travel blog, Stories by Soumya, she helps her readers plan immersive cultural trips around the world.

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Mexico City Art Tour

Murals depicting Mexico's history make up the cornerstone of Mexican art. Explore this artistic cultural side to Mexico City : with visits to the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo in the San Angel area east of Chapultepec and then Museo Frida Kahlo the 'Blue House' in Coyoacan.

The former was the home of the socialist and artistic couple from 1934 to 1940, and the innovative building was designed for them by their friend, the architect and painter, Juan O'Gorman. The building featured in the Hollywood film 'Frida' and contains a few examples of Rivera's works and is filled with memorabilia.

The Blue House displays a lot of Kahlo's art as well as other artists' paintings and pre-Hispanic objects and Mexican crafts Frida collected. You may also wish to see a wider collection at the Museo de Arte Moderno at Chapultepec which exhibits canvasses by 20th century Mexican artists, Kahlo and Rivera among them and including Dr Atl, Siqueiros and O'Gorman.

Finally the Palacio de Bellas Artes in the Centro Historico displays immense murals (only available for viewing during dance performances of 'Folkloric Ballet' on Wednesdays and Sundays) by Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Diego Rivera. Rivera's famous 'El Hombre En El Cruce de Caminos' (Man at the Crossroads) was originally commissioned for New York's Rockefeller Center, but the Rockefellers had the original destroyed because of its anti-capitalist themes, but Rivera re-created it here in 1934.

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These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

Cooking Class & Xochimilco Floating Gardens

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• Art Deco Tour Mexico City

An Art Deco Tour Of Mexico City In 9 Buildings

Northern England Writer

Throughout the 20s, art deco experienced a veritable boom in Mexico City neighborhoods such as Condesa and La Roma. To this day, there are some 275 examples of art deco architecture existing in the two colonias combined, so it’s practically impossible to not see some sort of art deco architecture. However, for a proper dip into the art deco world, Avenidas México and Amsterdam in Condesa are must-visit destinations, along with the following nine buildings.

1. palacio de bellas artes.

2. Edificio Tehuacán

Edificio tehuacán.

Designed by prolific art deco architect Ernesto Buenrostro, Edificio Tehuacan in Condesa is a classic and more holistic example of art deco than the Palacio de Bellas Artes. First completed in 1931, the external façade features all the elements typical of the movement, including striking geometric designs contrasted by sweeping curves. Edificio Tehuacán now houses Hippodrome Hotel , which has slightly updated some of the original features.

Edificio Tehuacán, Avenida México #188, Colonia Condesa, Ciudad de México, México

Art Deco detailing | © Dean Hochman/Flickr

3. Monumento a la Revolución

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

5. Museo de Arte Popular

6. parque méxico.

7. Edificio San Martín

Edificio San Martín

Just off the aforementioned Parque México is another brilliant example of art deco design that’s worthy of its own mention. It was designed by the well-known art deco architect Ernesto Buenrostro and encapsulates many of the key themes of art deco, like geometric design and chevrons. Some particularly stand out features are the ornate doorway and porch, which are more than worth snapping a few pictures of.

Edificio San Martín, Avenida México, Condesa, Ciudad de México, México

Edificio San Martín | © Keizers/WikiCommons

8. Centro Cultural Bella Época

Cinema, Shop, Store

9. Edificio Basurto

Edificio Basurto

We round off our tour of Mexico City in notable art deco buildings with the Edificio Basurto. Designed by Francisco Serrano, Edifico Basurto finds itself smack bang in the heart of the Condesa’s art deco hub. The combination of straight edges and sensual curves come together to form this magnificent and iconic fourteen-floor edifice, whose helical stairwell is instantly recognisable.

Edificio Basurto, Avenida México 197, Cuauhtémoc, Condesa, Ciudad de México, México

Edificio Basurto | © Mark Hogan/Flickr

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