All about Art Gallery Caracol Púrpura in Mérida (2025)

If I lived in Mérida full-time, I think I’d really enjoy creating a little spot with a special vibe – something with art, a cozy café, nothing crowded, just personal and laid-back. Kind of like the Caracol Púrpura gallery.

Ideally, I’d mix in some pre-Columbian pieces and share their stories over a good cup of espresso with anyone curious enough to ask. But the sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and everything else at Púrpura are also really beautiful.

The Art Gallery Caracol Púrpura is located on Calle 60, just a few meters from Parque de Santa Lucía, one of Mérida’s most charming squares (and I really like it too).

Founded in 2007, the gallery showcases Mexican and Latin American art, including paintings, sculptures, and handmade jewelry. The space is arranged around a central courtyard, where you’ll also find Café Portavía.

Most of the pieces are handcrafted using traditional techniques, making it a great place to find authentic and high-quality artwork. The gallery is no longer an insider tip, but it’s not overcrowded either. It remains a beautiful, quiet, and relaxed place.

A Wide Range of Art and Prices

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a small souvenir, there’s something for every budget. You can spend thousands of dollars on large sculptures or pick up a silver ring for just a few dollars.

You can also find beautiful, artistic alebrijes, the famous colorful fantasy creatures that are an iconic part of Mexican folk art. If you’re hunting for a small, typically Mexican souvenir, this makes a lovely little keepsake.

If you’re not in Mérida, you can explore the Caracol Púrpura website, which includes an online store offering handmade Mexican silver, glass, and amber jewelry, along with other unique pieces.

Large Ceramic Sculptures

Right at the entrance, you’ll find impressive ceramic sculptures, including beautifully crafted calaveras. In Spanish, calavera means skull, but in Mexican culture, it often refers to the entire skeleton and is strongly associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations.

These vibrant tributes to death and remembrance hold special meaning in Yucatán, where Día de los Muertos is called Hanal Pixán – a tradition honoring the dead with offerings, food, and rituals.

If you check out Our Story, you’ll spot a similar sculpture there, it comes from the gallery too. The gallery has some truly stunning large sculptures and vases – absolutely gorgeous, though they can be quite pricey.

Where Art Meets Espresso

Located in the courtyard, Café Portavía completes the gallery’s laid-back vibe. Whether you stop for a coffee in the afternoon or a breakfast (my personal favorite is their avocado toast with ricotta), it’s the perfect spot to take a break.

The setup’s pretty similar to the popular Casa T’hó – you can wander through boutique shops and galleries in a stylish space while sipping coffee or grabbing a bite.

Café Portavía, though, is really all about that perfect cup of joe, whereas Casa T’hó is also the place for a great lunch.

Supporting Local Artists

Caracol Púrpura actively supports local artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work. From time to time, the space also hosts cultural events, including exhibition openings, artist talks, and workshops.