"This 19th-century complex, originally built as a hospital for the disadvantaged, is host to an impressive display of modern art, most notably a series of frescoes by famous Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco. The collection includes one of his most well-known murals, El Hombre de Fuego , which earned its building the nickname “the Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hospicio Cabañas is a perfect example of Guadalajara’s ability to embrace its history and its future, combining 1790s architecture, 1930s murals, and, finally, a space for rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. Having functioned as an orphanage, an insane asylum, and a military barracks in the past, Hospicio Cabañas also has a spooky side. There are several ghost stories about the space, including a legend about a clock that stopped whenever a child died in the orphanage."
"This 19th-century complex, originally built as a hospital for the disadvantaged, is host to an impressive display of modern art, most notably a series of frescoes by famous Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco. The collection includes one of his most well-known murals, El Hombre de Fuego , which earned its building the nickname “the Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hospicio Cabañas is a perfect example of Guadalajara’s ability to embrace its history and its future, combining 1790s architecture, 1930s murals, and, finally, a space for rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. Having functioned as an orphanage, an insane asylum, and a military barracks in the past, Hospicio Cabañas also has a spooky side. There are several ghost stories about the space, including a legend about a clock that stopped whenever a child died in the orphanage."
A mixed bag. Tickets are affordable and available, there is hardly a line to enter the place. The interior houses a few photo galleries, with rotating expositions, and not much else. The central building with it's high vaulted ceilings and frescoes is the main attraction. It is peaceful though and at times you will find yourself alone in this huge complex.
Taka Takaki-A.
Google
A must visit place in Guadalajara. With it's long history as an hospice and culture space this colonial jem helds different contemporary art exhibitions and one of the mos extraordinary murales in México.
You could easily spend 2 or 3 hours walking around the different galleries. A visit to the museum store is also recommended.
Silvana Lopez
Google
Absolutely loved going on the free "English" language tour they offer there at the museum (3:00 pm). I have forgotten the tour guides name, but he's the guy in the orange sweater in one of my pictures. A beautifully preserved building and an excellent explanation of Jose Clemente Orozco's murals.
Silvia Oohlala
Google
Amazing intense murals in the main hall. I also saw an excellent photography exhibition there that I imagine changes. Free access on Tuesdays.
Tony Kim
Google
If you are in the historic downtown of Guadalajara, this place is a must see. Fabulous ceiling murals as well as a few smaller exhibits. A great place to spend a few hours.
Jeff Harper
Google
Brought family here for the tour which they offer in Spanish and English. Vladimir was our guide and did an amazing job. Highly recommend!
Christopher Clark
Google
Art, photography, and a well
Maintained museum. English turn left upon entering and look for QR code signs for English videos. It’s very easy to get lost in the maze of hallways.
JOHN ZAVALA
Google
One of the most imposing and beautiful buildings in Guadalajara- originally built as an orphanage and hospital in the colonial era. The murals by Orozco are spectacular and there are additional spaces for rotating art exhibitions. Highly recommend ! Great museum shop as well.
Chris M.
Yelp
A perfect place to enjoy Great Art and an Awesome location in the city.... The architecture was pleasing to the eye and the makes you feel super at home!!! I'm glad this place is so well perseved and open to the public...
The staff arw very nice and price to enter extremely cheap...
If your in the area this is a must stop!!!!
Dan P.
Yelp
A major art museum in Guadalajara, this is a must see. But don't get too excited. Although a world heritage site, this is not an awe-inspiring museum unless you're a fan of 1930s modernist murals. The main gallery is interesting and reveals a key part of Mexico's history and politics through art. The museum includes several lesser exhibits ranging from modern artists of Mexico to a history of the building.
On Tuesdays the museum is free.
Time budget: unless you're studying this period of art, budget about an hour for the museum.
Misc: (1) If you have a purse or backpack, you will be asked to check it. (2) Normal price for entry is $80 pesos. (3) Restrooms are available without charge in the museum.
Chris T.
Yelp
4 stars if you go on Tuesday when it is free. 3 stars if you go any other day and have to pay 80 pesos for entry.
No bags are allowed inside this museum. Be prepared to check any bag you have no matter what size. I had small cross body bag and was told I needed to check it in. Bag check is free.
This is a beautiful building with interesting artwork on the walls and ceilings. Some of the artwork has QR code for you to watch a video in Spanish or English that explains some of the artwork in the main hall. These were informative. Walk around and enjoy some of the smaller art galleries. Some are only in Spanish.
Budget no more than 2 hours unless you want to watch every video and read every piece of artwork throughout the facility.
Bathrooms: free and clean onsite
If you need a snack, head to La Chispita for a great beef and chorizo taco.
Austin G.
Yelp
Once one of the oldest and largest orphanages and hospitals in the Americas is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting while in Guadalajara. If you can, go on a Tuesday when there's free admission. My five-year-old daughter and I went in July. Here's our experience:
1) Exhibits: There are several throughout the space from old art to modern art by contemporary artists. Each exhibit is small, but well marked. Most info in the exhibits are in Spanish and English.
2) Space: It's a massive space with plazas and courtyards with fountains throughout. My daughter and I got a little lost, but eventually found the exit.
Be sure to go into the main building where you can see José Clemente Orozco murals painted on the walls and dome. These murals were part of the Mexican Mural Renaissance.
3) Amenities: There are plenty of clean restrooms throughout the space and even a coffee shop with courtyard seating.
Oren P.
Yelp
Tuesdays are free - but they still make you get a ticket. The main attraction is probably the murals - but sometimes they also show movies, and there are other exhibits to look at, as well as the quite popular areas outside. There are guided tours, but you don't need one - and each mural has a QR Code for an online (YouTube) commentary on it.
Diana G.
Yelp
If this place is not on your radar, you should consider it. It is beautiful. Great art and architecture. Located near all the other downtown attractions. We went on a Tuesday and it was free. Come to find out, it is free every Tuesday.
The wall and ceiling murals are beautiful and they tell a great story. They have QR codes that you can scan that explain each mural in English or Spanish. They also have art exhibits in the other rooms. Take your AirPods and enjoy an hour or so exploring the place.
They don't allow big bags inside, but they have a storage area that is free.
Ana C.
Yelp
Amazing place to appreciate the great paintings and different presentations from different artists.
Brandy C.
Yelp
This architectural master piece is a must go to when in Guadalajara. Near the huge metropolitan shopping center. Amazing art by orozco. They have a tour guide. Which fills you in with all the necessary back ground info. Masterfull art. Inexpensive plus you get a discount if you have a mexican id(Which my gf and i had the privilege because of an uncle)With that being said i wouldnt mind paying full price for admission. Was well worth it, "orozco referred to as Latin american Picasso"
The center master piece beware of the motion art.
Ann G.
Yelp
Visited here 20 years ago, knew I had to come back, and was floored. I remembered the gravity of the Orozco frescoes, but they really didn't hit me as hard as they did this time around. Could it be because of the current political climate or just my seasoned age? Maybe both? Either way, this current visit hit me...hard. Please take the tour and appreciate the nuances that Orozco carefully detailed. His work forces you to look at life from different perspectives, in every sense of the term. I only wish I had more time to admire them.
Anne C.
Yelp
Love it! Just so cool to visit some of this history. Definitely worth the time if you are around someday!
Gloria J.
Yelp
Great museum, must see if you are in the city. We visited on a Sunday and had a good time, not crowded at all. There is a coffee shop on the premises.
Ana H.
Yelp
This place is awesome in its own architecture. They often have good art expositions but their best feature are the ceiling paintings at the entrance. They are fabulous!!!
Jon B.
Yelp
One of the best museums/art galleries I've ever been to. This space was at different points in history a hospital, as well as an orphanage. Head inside, and find some incredible art work, be it sculptures, paintings and murals ! Orozco has an amazing exhibit inside.
Insider Tip: Tuesdays are free !!
One of the top things to do in Guadalajara.
Lily T.
Yelp
Must see!! I'm not a museum person but this was just amazing!! While a short stay in Guadalajara we took a horse carriage ride around town and saw that this museum was open. We decided to go after the carriage ride. Be prepared, u can't take in a back pack or water bottles. We had to leave our stuff with the front desk staff. They have a cafe inside that has drinks if u wish to purchase something. There was no info on the map provided but we happen to be in the main room at the time that a tour was going on so we listened in. It was really cool! Glad we did. I suggest getting a tour guide to know about all the different paintings and different areas of the room to stand in to see them differently.
Drew M.
Yelp
It's a neat modern art museum. There is an Andy Warhol on display. The Frescose on the cieling are the wow factor.
Marisa P.
Yelp
Right up front I have to state that I don't usually like museum tours. However, tour guide Rubén Rodríguez Corona is both personable and knowledgeable. (In fact, he's penned a couple of books that are available at the museum shop.) Originally an orphanage, Instituto Cultural Cabañas has a long and certainly profound history that dates back to pre-revolution México. The neoclassical architecture, Orozco's singular murals, and the institute's story make the price of admission an absolute bargain. This place is a gem!
Marco P.
Yelp
Es increíble ! Los muros están espectacures¡
It is incredible! The murals are amazing!!
DO NOT MISS THIS SITE!