The 11 Best Art Galleries in Mexico City

Established in the late 90s, the entirely non-Mexican sounding Kurimanzutto art gallery has gone from strength to strength and is now a firm favorite of the Mexico City’s contemporary art lovers. Famed internationally, especially for its tendency to promote Mexican artists in particular, Kurimanzutto can be found in a renovated space in San Miguel Chapultepec. Forever prioritizing innovation, it’s a must-see in CDMX.

The so-called MoMA of Mexico City is the enormous five-story Museo Jumex. With its distinctive David Chipperfield designed, but neutral colored exterior, this museum blows people away. Museo Jumex’s comprehensive and permanent collection of modern art includes framed pieces by modern artists such as Gabriel Orozco, Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol. Current temporary exhibitions include Swiss artists Peter Fischli and the late David Weiss.

A firm fixture on any guide to Mexico’s best art galleries is the Museo Frida Kahlo. This museum-cum-gallery feels like you’re wandering into one of Kahlo’s instantly recognizable artworks – from the vivid blue walls that give the building its famed nickname, La Casa Azul(The Blue House) to the verdant greenery in the courtyard, it’s an immersive leap into her life and art. Kahlo is arguably Mexico’s most influential artist and her former home makes for an unmissable experience.

Situated in Polanco is the Galería Lopez Quiroga, which specializes in photography, paintings and sculpture. With a mixture of well-known Mexican artists such as José Clemente Orozco, Francisco Toledo and Rufino Tamayo, this gallery has something for everyone. Plus, their small but perfectly formed top-floor library is particularly excellent!

Another excellent option for contemporary art fans is the striking outward-sloping walled Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo, situated in the quirky Coyoacán district. Colloquially known as MUAC, it’s spacious and highly recommended for art fans visiting Mexico City. Its permanent collection has almost 1,500 pieces and features works from 1952 onwards – but its building is practically an art work in itself.

Just around the corner from Museo Tamayo is the equally worthy Museo de Arte Moderno, which boasts one if the largest and most well curated modern art collections in the world. With exhibits to rival New York’s MoMA, there are almost 3,000 pieces to marvel over in this outstanding gallery.