Your Compass in Mexico City 2025: Exploring Contemporary Art at the Intersection of the Americas
Mexico City is a captivating and complicated megalopolis. In this capital of nearly 23 million people, everyone seems to know each other. It’s thirsty, it’s shaking, it’s honking, it’s dusty, it’s calling your mother terrible things, it’s bursting at the seams, and it’s one of the most vibrant, thriving, and life-affirming cities I’ve ever known.
Perhaps that’s why its contemporary art scene consistently punches above its weight. For decades, artists, curators, and gallerists here have channeled Mexico City’s contradictions, its complex layers of historical and cultural narratives, and all of its chaotic energy into wild projects and some seriously important art.
Mexico City has solidified its place as Latin America’s leading cultural destination thanks in large part to its Art Week. ZsONA MACO, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, is the city’s principal fair and attracts top collectors and curators from across the globe. Meanwhile, Feria Material and Salón Acme, celebrating their 11th and 12th editions, provide vital platforms for new generations of gallerists and artists, ensuring the week remains a source for discovery and artistic experimentation.
The Editorial Committee for this guide—Carla Sodi of Casa Wabi, Direlia Lazo of ZsONA MACO, and Kit Hammonds of Museo Jumex—has curated a selection of venues and spaces integral to understanding Mexico City’s contemporary art scene. In the following area overviews, I’ll highlight many of them (while adding a few of my own).
Whether you’re here for the fairs or exploring at your own pace, this guide is your map to Mexico City’s extraordinary cultural and artistic wealth.
Please enjoy it responsibly.
DOWNTOWN / CENTRO HISTÓRICO
The Centro Histórico is where Mexico City’s layered history is impossible to ignore. Among the area’s institutional heavyweights is the Museo Nacional de Arte – MUNAL, a treasure trove of Mexican art spanning colonial times to modernism, housed in an architectural masterpiece. Just steps away, the Museo Palacio de Bellas Artes dazzles with its art nouveau and art deco grandeur, featuring murals by Diego Rivera and other icons. For a cutting-edge take, Laboratorio Arte Alameda explores the interplay of art, science, and technology, while Ex Teresa Arte Actual, a former baroque convent, embraces the experimental through performance and conceptual art. The Centro de la Imagen is a must for photography enthusiasts, showcasing compelling work by leading and lesser-known visual artists alike. Nearby, General Expenses, one of Mexico City’s most exciting young galleries, offers a bold counterpoint to the historic landmarks. When it’s time to recharge, Centro Histórico doesn’t disappoint. Azul Histórico and El Cardenal serve iconic Mexican dishes in atmospheric settings, while the rooftop Comedor Mexicano at Círculo Mexicano offers views as memorable as the food. For a dive into local drinking culture, the mezcal bar Bósforo is a can’t-miss gem, and the legendary La Ópera bar lets you sip where history was made.
ROMA – CONDESA
Roma and Condesa are two of Mexico City’s most talked-about neighborhoods, where tree-lined streets host an eclectic mix of galleries, cafés, shops, and restaurants. Among Roma’s many highlights is the recently opened Olivia Foundation, named for one of the founders’ beloved dogs, featuring carefully curated exhibitions of works from their impressive collection. Roma is also home to some of Mexico City’s best galleries, including OMR, Travesía Cuatro, Galería Mascota, Peana, Campeche, Galería Agustina Ferreyra, Arróniz, Salón Silicón, and N.A.S.A.L., as well as Llano in nearby Doctores. In the Condesa neighborhood, you’ll find Galería Pepe, laNao, and the new Mexico City outpost of König Galerie. When it comes to food, Roma and Condesa deliver in spades. For the art crowd, Roma’s famed Contramar is the most iconic lunchtime spot in the city. Don’t miss the pop-up cafe next door by the gallery Gaga during Art Week. If you’ve still got room for more seafood, Mi Compa Chava, Ultramarinos Demar, and La Docena serve it up in style. If small plates and a glass of wine are more your speed, Hugo, Meroma and Martínez are fantastic options. If you’re looking for an exceptional meal wrapped in tortillas, then look no further than Expendio de Maiz and Tacomotora Tizne.
JUÁREZ – CUAUHTÉMOC
Just west of Mexico City’s historic center, Juárez and Cuauhtémoc balance historical charm with some of the city’s most forward-thinking art spaces, making this area a cultural hotspot. During Art Week, Juárez is home to three art fairs: Feria Material, known for its ambitious programming and boundary-pushing exhibitors from around the world; Salón Acme, taking over a historic mansion with curated presentations from Mexican and international artists; and CLAVO, an artist-run art fair highlighting new voices in contemporary art. The neighborhood also boasts an impressive gallery roster, including Lodos, Pequod Co., Proyecto Paralelo, AGO Projects, Galería Karen Huber, and Proyectos Multipropósito. In Cuauhtémoc, the Mexico City outpost of Mariane Ibrahim brings global contemporary art to a beautifully restored historical residence. When it’s time to dine, Juárez standouts include Masala y Maíz, Havre 77, Darosa and Imbiss. Farmacia Internacional and Café NIN are perfect for a morning coffee or hearty brunch. For a nightcap, the artist-owned café and bar, El Minutito, serves up a fantastic Negroni. In Cuauhtémoc, Rokai is a must for sushi lovers, while Salón Ríos delivers classic cantina vibes with a modern twist.
SAN RAFAEL – SANTA MARÍA LA RIBERA
The historic neighborhoods of San Rafael and Santa María la Ribera are now home to countless artist studios alongside exciting museums and galleries. In San Rafael, the Museo Experimental El Eco, designed by artist Mathias Goeritz in 1952 and conceived as a “living, penetrable sculpture”, hosts thoughtful exhibitions that often engage directly with its unique architecture. Nearby, the Galería Hilario Galguera, housed in a stately Porfirian-era mansion, bridges local and international art scenes with ambitious programming, while Plomo adds a fresh and experimental voice to the area’s art landscape. Just a short distance away in Santa María la Ribera, the Museo Universitario del Chopo occupies a striking Jugendstil-style building originally constructed in Germany and reassembled in Mexico. Renowned for its cutting-edge programming, the museum presents a mix of Mexican and international contemporary art. The neighborhood is also home to galleries like Naranjo 141 and Acapulco 62, as well as the non-profit Vernacular Institute, celebrated for its dynamic exhibitions and unforgettable performances. A bit further north in Atlampa, Casa Wabi Sabino, designed by architect Alberto Kalach, offers a serene exhibition space shared with Studio Bosco Sodi. When it comes to dining, these neighborhoods reward adventurous food lovers. In San Rafael, Vacaciones (don’t miss the Chocolate Nemesis) and El Califa de León (Michelin-starred tacos!) are essential stops. Over in Santa María, newcomer Pink Rambo combines playful aesthetics with standout eats and drinks.
CHAPULTEPEC – SAN MIGUEL CHAPULTEPEC
In and around Chapultepec Park, you’ll find some of the city’s most iconic art institutions. The Museo Tamayo, named after Rufino Tamayo, houses his works alongside a dynamic program of international contemporary art exhibitions. Nearby, the Museo de Arte Moderno – MAM showcases modern Mexican art through exhaustively researched exhibitions. The Casa del Lago, located just next door, hosts a mix of experimental art, theater, and performance. For those seeking a unique blend of culture and cuisine, LagoAlgo, an exhibition space and restaurant affiliated with OMR, offers contemporary art in a serene lakeside setting. You can’t leave Mexico City without paying a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología, one of the most important museums in Mexico. While not focused on contemporary art, its vast collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts and cultural treasures provides a fundamental context for understanding the artistic and cultural heritage that continues to inspire artists today. The adjacent neighborhood of San Miguel Chapultepec is an important hub for galleries. These include kurimanzutto, Labor, Anonymous, Galería de Arte Mexicano – GAM, Galería Enrique Guerrero, Galería RGR, Le Laboratoire, MASA Galería, and Patricia Conde. Saenger Galería, located nearby in Tacubaya, is also well worth the visit. When it’s time to refuel, San Miguel Chapultepec offers a range of excellent dining options. Mari Gold is a standout for its refined take on Indian and Mexican cuisines, while Comal Oculto serves up traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist.
POLANCO – NUEVO POLANCO
Polanco and Nuevo Polanco are among Mexico City’s toniest neighborhoods, but not without their own cultural charms. At the heart of Nuevo Polanco is the Museo Jumex, a cornerstone of contemporary art in Latin America. With its smart exhibitions and collaborations with international artists, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s art scene. Inside the museum, Eno serves up thoughtful, seasonal dishes in a casual setting—perfect for a quick coffee or light meal between exhibitions. In Polanco, the Sala de Arte Público Siqueiros – SAPS honors the legacy of David Alfaro Siqueiros with exhibitions of his murals, drawings, and photographs alongside contemporary shows that draw inspiration from his groundbreaking approach to art. Polanco is also home to galleries like Proyectos Monclova, Oscar Román, and LS / Galería. When it’s time to eat, Entremar, a sister to the famed Contramar, is the go-to spot for seafood without the wait. For inventive takes on Mexican cuisine, Malix and Siembra Taquería are excellent choices, while Aúna is a great brunch spot focused on seasonal flavors with a fresh approach. For French-inspired classics, Ivoire and St. Jacques Bistrot offer cozy elegance.
SAN ÁNGEL – COYOACÁN
The southern neighborhoods of San Ángel and Coyoacán are beloved for their colonial charm and rich cultural heritage. In Coyoacán, La Casa Azul, the Museo Frida Kahlo, is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. This intimate museum offers a glimpse into the life of the legendary artist, featuring her personal belongings, artworks, and a lush garden that embodies her artistic spirit. Nearby, the Museo Anahuacalli, designed by Diego Rivera using volcanic stone, not only houses a remarkable collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts but also hosts regular contemporary art exhibitions in dialogue with its permanent collection, creating a unique bridge between past and present. The Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo – MUAC, located on the UNAM campus, is a must-visit for its exceptional exhibitions and programming. Meanwhile, the Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil in the San Angel area showcases an ever-evolving program of contemporary and modern art exhibitions that spotlight bold and thought-provoking artists. For those seeking an alternative art experience, La Quiñonera, an independent cultural center founded in 1986, continues to play an important role in Mexico City’s art scene, hosting experimental projects and community-driven initiatives in its storied space.
