All about Centro Cultural Olimpo in Mérida (2025 Guide)

I think I stood in front of that big white gate two or three times, just staring at it, because I hadn’t checked the opening hours – until I finally managed to get in one day.

The Centro Cultural Olimpo in Mérida is a space dedicated to the arts, with exhibition halls and a main auditorium that regularly host a variety of events.

You’ll find rotating art exhibitions, theater performances, film festivals, dance shows, puppet plays, and concerts. There have even been exhibitions featuring works by world-famous artists such as

• Henri Matisse, the French painter and leading figure of Fauvism.

• Joan Miró, famous for his abstract surrealist style.

• Marc Chagall, the Russian-French artist celebrated for his poetic imagery.

• Pablo Picasso, the iconic Spanish painter and pioneer of Cubism.

The Olimpo Cultural Center also supports cultural events in other parts of Mérida, including many of the city’s parks. In total, several hundred events take place every year.

The center is a relatively new building, located right next to the Palacio Municipal on the west side of Plaza Grande. It was inaugurated on January 6, 1999 and was designed with colonial-style elements so that it blends in nicely with its surroundings.

The building has an elegant look and is worth walking through just to admire the architecture. Admission is free, but you’ll need to sign in at the entrance.

The building, like the Catedral de Mérida and many others around Plaza Grande, is beautifully lit up after dark. So be sure to check out Mérida’s main square in the evening as well.

Exploring the Gallery Rooms Upstairs

The Cultural Center has several gallery rooms that you can visit for free. Unfortunately, there’s very little signposting inside the building (which is actually pretty common across Mexico).

To get to the exhibitions, you’ll need to cross the inner courtyard and then head up the stairs to the second floor.

Events are held in the auditorium ("Auditorio Dr. Silvio A. Zavala Vallado") and usually require a ticket.

Planetarium at the Cultural Center

The Olimpo Cultural Center also houses a planetarium, where you can dive into the wonders of astronomy through engaging shows and educational programs. Please note that the planetarium has a separate entry fee.

It’s equipped with advanced projection technology that creates an immersive experience. You’ll learn about celestial phenomena, discover the astronomical knowledge of the ancient Maya, and take part in programs that make complex topics easy to grasp.

Looking for Events? Here’s Where to Start

Now you're probably wondering where you can actually find out what's going on and when. Well, that's one of the things that could definitely be better. There's no dedicated website for the program.

Sometimes you’ll spot updates on the Facebook page of Centro Cultural Olimpo, usually hidden under “Mentions” among a bunch of other posts.  There’s also an Instagram page, but honestly, it’s pretty hit or miss. And unfortunately, there’s no official website.

The city’s tourism office points you to Mérida`s cultural events calendar, but everything's in Spanish. So if you're not sure what's what, it's easier to just ask someone directly.

Right next to Centro Cultural Olimpo is the Palacio Municipal de Mérida. The Mérida Tourism Office is right there too, with its own entrance. The people working there are super friendly, they speak English, and they'll be happy to help you out.

During the Week in Mérida

Here’s another tip: if you want to know what’s happening in Mérida on any given day, check out the full list of recurring amazing weekly events in Mérida - it’s a great way to plan your stay.

And if you're curious about annual festivals in Mérida, take a look to see if one happens to fall during your visit.

Places of Interest Around Plaza Grande

If you are at Plaza Grande, there are several interesting sights around the square. First of all, of course, the Catedral de Mérida - San Ildefonso (Cathedral of Mérida), the oldest church in America.

Furthermore the Palacio Municipal de Mérida (a historical building currently being used as a City Hall by the local government) and the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán (home to Yucatán’s executive offices and a tourist center).

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán (MACAY) - Fernando García Ponce, a museum in a colonial palace presents works by modern and contemporary Mexican artists.

Right next to the MACAY is the 100m long Pasaje de la Revolución, which shows changing sculpture exhibitions by Mexican and international artists.

Furthermore there is the Museo Casa Montejo, the restored home from Don Francisco de Montejo – the conqueror of Yucatán and founder of the city of Mérida.

And if you want to dine at Plaza Grande, we recommend Restaurante Picheta, which is housed in a 350-year-old building next to the Palacio de Gobierno (the government building) and has a nice roof terrace.

Image Source (patio): ©travel4brews.com, flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link

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