MUAC Contemporary Art Museum

The Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo, MUAC, opened only in 2008. It’s been a tremendous positive for the artistic and cultural life of Mexico City, having continually drawn international audiences.

One of the great things is that MUAC is set within the volcanic landscape of the Pedregal de San Ángel. The MUAC building is a two-story structure with nearly 14,000 square meters of mostly very bright and intriguing floor space. Broad corridors and patios make a welcome respite from busy city visits.

The upper floor has nine galleries, plus a “Space for Experiments in Sound.” There’s also a gift shop and bookstore. The lower floor has a conservation and restoration laboratory. There also workshops for installation design, and Arkheia, a space that functions as a specialized library.  A center for the documentation and preservation of archival material, and a conference room, auditorium, and restaurant give you the full package.

The collections – based on work since 1952 when the University City campus opened—is focused on the work of contemporary Mexican artists. Works range from paintings and drawings to video and sound installations. Temporary exhibitions, drawn from all over the world, are always very well attended.

The architect, Teodoro Gonzalez de Leon, is also well-regarded for the Museo Rufino Tamayo, for co-designing the National Auditorium, and for the Reforma 222 shopping and residential center. As a student, Gonzalez de Leon conceived the original concept and idea for the entire Ciudad Universitaria where there museum of contemporary art was built. The essence of his idea was later developed by his own teachers and many great architects of the era.

With a wealth of protected habitat and natural green areas, the University City is a pleasure to visit. A number of other museums and some of the city’s most advanced and recognized architecture and design are all to be enjoyed. In fact, the entire CU project has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

By Public Transit, a trip to the museum can be made by Metrobus Line 1. Get off at the CCU station. From the Metro, the museum is a pleasant walk from Metro stations Universidad, or Copilco.