There are a few museums that you should add to your list, if you have the time. If your time is limited, don’t miss the Siqueiros murals mentioned below.
Casa de Cultura Banamex/Casa del Mayorazgo: Located in a beautiful old building from the 18th Century, along the Jardin in San Miguel de Allende, this Museum has some great temporary art and photography exhibitions. It is located at Calle Canal 4.
Across from the Parroquia is The Casa de Allende Museum which was the home of Ignacio Allende who was a principal protagonist in the early part of the Mexican War of Independence.
Museo La Esquina – Museo de Juguete Popular Mexicana: At Nunez 40 and the corner of San Francisco, this is a small toy and folk art museum. Since I collect folk art, I enjoyed seeing the collection built over 50 years by Angelica Tijerina that has over 1000 items. Stop in if you have some time.
Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramierez El Nigromante – Bellas Artes: A branch of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, it was recently renovated and just reopened. They often have exhibitions of contemporary Mexican and local artists, classes,concerts, lectures and films. But the highlights are some amazing murals that you should add to your San Miguel list. There are four by Pedro Martinez from 1939 to 1941, one by Eleanor Cohen from 1941 and an entire room painted by well-known Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, painted in 1948. Siqueiros’s work is amazing and covers the ceiling and all walls.
Opened in late 2025 at the Instituto Allende is their new Instituto Allende Casa Museo 1950-2025. In addition to the Canal Family Chapel, it has several rooms around the center courtyard with art exhibits and exhibits on the history of the Instituto and the history of San Miguel and its origins. I enjoyed going back and exploring.
Make sure to visit La Otra Cara de Mexico, or Another Face of Mexico Mask Museum located at Casa de las Cuesta, B&B. Owner Bill LeVasseur has amassed a wonderful collection of masks used in dances from around Mexico. There are excellent displays along with a sales area where you can buy masks. Cuesta de San Jose #32.
