Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca, MACO

The Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca, MACO) is housed in the so-called Casa de Cortés, three blocks north of the central plaza (Zócalo) at 202 Alcala Street.   The building is one of the oldest in the city but despite the name, the house dates from the later 17^th and early 18^th century well after Hernán Cortés.  It has been modified somewhat over the years but still conserves its basic layout with rooms surrounding three courtyards.  The latest renovation to update the building’s mechanical systems occurred starting in 2009 and ending in December of 2010.  The architectural style is basically Andalucian modified by Oaxaca traditions. The house was acquired by the state of Oaxaca and initially housed the Museo Historico Urbano de Oaxaca in 1986.  MACO was created with help from the state government, the José F. Gómez Foundation, painter Francisco Toledo and the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes.  It permanent collection contains works by Rufino Tamayo, Toledo, Nieto, Aquinos and others, however most likely when you visit the space will exhibit current works.  If you go it is open daily except Tuesday from 10:30 am to 8 pm.  Their website is http://www.museomaco.com/.  For more pictures from the museum please visit my photo album.