Museo de los Pintores Oaxaquenos (Museum of Oaxacan Painters), Oaxaca
The Museum of Oaxacan Painters (MUPO), founded in the early 2000s, occupies a 17th-century mansion of green quarry stone that once served as a girls’ school beginning in 1686. This elegant colonial building, with its high ceilings and spacious galleries, provides a fitting backdrop for the vibrant creations of Oaxaca’s finest painters.
Since its opening, MUPO has championed the work of regional artists-most notably Rodolfo Morales, Alejandro Santiago, and Francisco Toledo-while also welcoming provocative contemporary exhibitions by Mexican and international talents.
Its rotating galleries feature everything from graphic arts and sculpture to experimental installations, ensuring that each visit offers fresh perspectives on the breadth of visual expression. Visitors might encounter a whimsical tableau by Morales, a politically charged scene from Santiago, or Toledo’s surreal juxtapositions-all under one beautifully restored roof.
Beyond its permanent collection, the museum hosts workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects that connect Oaxacan art to wider cultural networks.
Since its opening, MUPO has championed the work of regional artists-most notably Rodolfo Morales, Alejandro Santiago, and Francisco Toledo-while also welcoming provocative contemporary exhibitions by Mexican and international talents.
Its rotating galleries feature everything from graphic arts and sculpture to experimental installations, ensuring that each visit offers fresh perspectives on the breadth of visual expression. Visitors might encounter a whimsical tableau by Morales, a politically charged scene from Santiago, or Toledo’s surreal juxtapositions-all under one beautifully restored roof.
Beyond its permanent collection, the museum hosts workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects that connect Oaxacan art to wider cultural networks.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oaxaca. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Museo de los Pintores Oaxaquenos (Museum of Oaxacan Painters) on Map
Sight Name: Museo de los Pintores Oaxaquenos (Museum of Oaxacan Painters)
Sight Location: Oaxaca, Mexico (See walking tours in Oaxaca)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Oaxaca, Mexico (See walking tours in Oaxaca)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Oaxaca, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Oaxaca
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oaxaca is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oaxaca Introduction Walking Tour
If cities could dance, Oaxaca would move to a slow, graceful rhythm-equal parts ancient pulse and everyday joy. Officially called Oaxaca de Juárez, this southern Mexican capital is where cultures don’t just meet-they throw a fiesta. You’ll find indigenous roots running deep, wrapped in colonial charm and topped with some of the best mole sauce you’ll ever taste.
Long before the Spanish... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Long before the Spanish... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Pubs and Clubs of Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a very artistic city, full of musicians and artists trying to get their revolutionary message out. It has a few salsa joints but Oaxaquenos would rather be heard. There are some fantastic funky little pubs that have live music or even at times poetry readings. Later on in the night you can...
A Taste of Oaxaca
Mexican food is world famous but what most people do not know is most of that distinctly Mexican food comes from Oaxaca. Many famous chefs come to this city to study the art of Mexican cuisine, including top chef Susana Trilling who now calls Oaxaca her home. This tour highlights the best Oaxaca has...