All about Pasaje de la Revolución in Mérida, Mexico (2025)

I’ll admit, the first few times I was there, I completely overlooked the passage. And even when you do spot it, you’d never guess the story behind it. But let’s take it one step at a time.

The Pasaje de la Revolución is a pedestrian passage located at Plaza Grande, between the Catedral de Mérida and the MACAY (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán).

It regularly hosts sculpture exhibitions, making it an interesting stop if you enjoy contemporary art. You can simply take a quick look from the street to see if there’s anything interesting on display.

The MACAY Museum was originally an archiepiscopal palace attached to the Catedral de Mérida. In 1902, a narrow 100-meter-long passage was built to separate the two buildings, giving birth to the Pasaje de la Revolución.

Architecture and History

The passage was designed in a French architectural style, featuring a large arch at both ends and an iron-and-glass canopy stretching between them.

Around 1900, French architectural style was characterized by ornate facades, elegant ironwork, and large arched windows, often influenced by Beaux-Arts and Art Nouveau.

Grand public buildings and upscale homes featured symmetrical designs, intricate stone carvings, and decorative balconies, giving them a refined and sophisticated look.

This influence extended to cities like Mérida, where wealthy families incorporated French elements into their mansions, creating a unique blend of European and local architectural traditions.

However, due to structural stability issues, the canopy was demolished in the 1940s. It wasn’t until 2001 that the city of Mérida decided to restore Pasaje de la Revolución, bringing back its original architectural style and historical charm.

A decade later, in 2011, the roof was also reconstructed to match its original design. After the renovation, the space was handed over to the Fundación Cultural Macay A.C., which has since used it to promote art and culture.

Rotating Sculpture Exhibitions

Today, the passage hosts rotating sculpture exhibitions featuring both Mexican and international artists, giving visitors a chance to experience contemporary art in a historic setting, take photos, or simply escape the busy streets of the city center for a moment.

Pasaje de la Revolución is open to the public and can be accessed from both sides, with more than 6,000 people passing through daily. However, exhibitions change regularly, so it’s possible that there may be fewer or no artworks on display when you visit.

Museo de Arte Contempoáneo

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán (MACAY), is the only museum in the Yucatán Peninsula dedicated entirely to modern and contemporary art. It covers an impressive 3,500 square meters and attracts over 70,000 visitors each year.

The museum showcases works from well-known Yucatecan artists like Fernando Castro Pacheco, Fernando García Ponce, and Gabriel Ramírez Aznar, along with rotating exhibitions that change every three months.

The building itself has a long history, originally serving as a Franciscan monastery in the 17th century before being repurposed for various uses, including as a military facility and a school, before becoming a museum.

Visitors can also check out the museum’s library, art archive, and café. Best of all, admission is free, making it an easy and worthwhile stop for anyone interested in art and history.