People seeking art and cultural activities in San Miguel de Allende should start in the heart of the Centro Historico:
1) Visit Bellas Artes (Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez) at Calle Hernandez-Macias #75. Housed in the former convento de la Concepcion (dating from 1755), just one block west of the Jardin, Bellas Artes is a branch of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. The two-story cloister, surrounding a beautiful courtyard, hosts exhibits by leading artists and also houses the classrooms of the fine arts school. The mural depicting the life and works of Ignacio Allende by famed painter/activist David Alfaro Siqueiros, though unfinished, is spectacular. A small restaurant with great pizza, Las Musas, adjoins the courtyard with its colonial-era stone fountain. Open Mon-Sat, 9 am – 7 pm; Sun, 10 am – 2 pm. Gallery hours: Tues-Sat, 10 am – 5:30 pm; Sun, 10 am – 2 pm; closed Mon. Admission: Free. Tel.: 152-0289.
2) Experience colonial life in Museo Casa Allende at Cuna de Allende #1 (at the corner of Cuna de Allende and Calle Umaran, right on the Jardin). This museum – located in the original family home of Mexican Independence hero Ignacio Allende – comprises more than 21 rooms, some of which upstairs have been furnished with period pieces to recreate the opulence and ambience of the Spanish Viceregal period (16th – 19th centuries). Displays encompass three main themes: the Viceregal period and Villa de San Miguel, the War of Independence, and Allende and his family. Most rooms have multi-media explanations in Spanish and written information in English. Open Tues – Sun, 9 am – 5 pm. Admission: 37 pesos; free for kids, students and seniors with I.D. Free to all on Sundays. Tel: 152-2499.
3) Enjoy ART IN THE PARK. Sculptures by leading artists of town line the pathways of San Miguel’s Parque Juarez, located only three blocks south of the Jardin. The lush gardens and nearby historical public laundry facilities, los lavaderos, host weekly outdoor exhibits by local painters. Art Garden: Sat & Sun, 9:30 am – 4 pm; Mon, 9:30 am – 2 pm; Thurs, 9:30 am – noon. Open-air art display, uphill side of Parque Juarez, incl. art show and sale: Sat & Sun, 10 am – 5 pm, near los lavaderos. Sometimes special art displays are mounted on Saturdays, 11 am – 1 pm. ALSO: Painting class for children with Nina, Parque Juarez kiosk (call Nina’s local cell phone for more info: 044-415-151-2462).