Not long ago, the Merida art scene was dominated by Fernando Pacheco, the painter of the stunning murals that grace the Palacio de Gobierno (Governor's Palace) on the Plaza Grande. (Visitors can view those murals for free, by the way, anytime the Palacio is open, which is most of the time). In the last few years, Merida has been experiencing a bit of a Renaissance in the Arts, and is now a place where even the most casual visitor can enjoy a museum visit or a night at the Jose Peon Contreras Opera House.

Contemporary art in Merida can be most easily viewed at the MACAY, Merida's contemporary art museum. Housed in the former armory, just across the passageway from the Cathedral, the MACAY has a small permanent exhibit of some local artists, and a regularly changing array of exhibits of artists both local and international. Downstairs at the museum on Sundays you'll find a lively music event around noon in the central gardens. Upstairs every day of the week (except Monday), the exhibit rooms are air-conditioned and well-lit, and often populated with works by some of Mexico's most interesting artists. To top it all off, entrance to the MACAY is free! 

The MACAY also sponsors an outdoor sculpture exhibit, both outside the front entrance in the passageway between the museum and the cathedral, and along the main avenue of Paseo Montejo. Sculptures from Mexico and another country grace the sidewalks in front of renovated turn-of-the-century mansions, making for a lovely stroll day or night. Past years have included sculpture from Spain and Japan. In 2008, the country sharing the exhibit with Mexico will be Germany. On Sunday mornings, from 10 am until about 1 pm, a section of Paseo de Montejo is devoted to all of Merida's artists, many of whom bring their work to this outdoor sidewalk exhibit. 

Music is well represented in Merida, with everything from trova, Yucatan's special type of romantic ballads, to opera and classical music. The Yucatan Symphony Orchestra continues to grow with each season. Tickets are a fraction of what a similar event would cost in most cities and can usually be purchased the day of the event. Most symphony events are performed on Friday nights and Sundays at noon during the winter months, and tickets can be purchased at the box office of  the Jose Peon Contreras Theatre at the corner of Calle 60 and Calle 57.

Merida's gallery scene is growing too, with new art galleries springing up every year.  Calle 60 in the Santa Ana area is quickly becoming known as "gallery row" as there are at least five galleries in a four block stretch - between Calle 47 and 43.

There is a new artist happening on the Paseo Montejo every Sunday between Colon/Perez Ponces Ave. and Calle 37. Called  El Corridor de Los Artistas, this block long area is where you will find local artists showing their works. You will find sculpture, photography, many different styles of paintings in various formats. This is a great opportunity to actually talk with the artists and aquire a very nice piece of art work. The artists are usually there from about 9 AM - 2 PM.