Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli

The Ollin Yoliztli Cultural Center (CCOY) is one of the most important performing arts spaces in all of Mexico City. Run by the City’s Secretary of Culture, it’s an institution in the Colonia Isidro Fabela in Tlalpan although its prominent façade is visible from everywhere on this part of Periférico Sur.

The center is home to six schools of professional education in music and dance. The academic program includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. The center also coordinates the Youth Orchestras and Choirs Program for Mexico City. This includes 12 orchestras and nine choirs across the City. Professional teaching staff is dedicated to 2,200 kids, young people and adults, here and at other venues.

• Ollin Yoliztli is a Nahuatl expression meaning simply “life and movement.” The occupies the building of the former IMAN Pyramid Cinema, built in 1976. The converted building opened in 1979. That project was led by architect, Eduardo Saad Eljure who led the auditorium’s rehabilitation in 2017. In 1986, additional areas were launched as a broader cultural center.

The Center is currently home to:

• The Silvestre Revueltas Hall – a 1,200 seat auditorium, headquarters of the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Silvestre Revueltas Sánchez (1899-1940) was a modernist composer of symphonic music during the first half of the 20th century. He was a celebrated violinist and conductor.
• Hermilo Novelo Hall – with seating for 164, it’s headquarters of the Orquesta Típica and hosts frequent Chamber Music recitals.
  • Hermilo Novelo Torres (1930-1983), was a 20th-century violinist and conductor.
• Andrea Palma Hall – With seating for 82, this auditorium hosts conferences and film, including screenings of documentaries, videos, and films.
  • Andrea Palma was the stage name of actress, Guadalupe Bracho Pérez-Gavilán (1903-1987). She’s best-remembered for her work in the films  La casa de la zorra (1935), Mujeres que trabajan (1953) and Ensayo de un crimen (1955).

The Center also maintains a major Documentation Center and Consultation Room that include a library. There’s also an instrument repair workshop and piano tuning service. The Ollin Yoliztli Book Club is open to inside and outside readers.

The Ollin Yoliztle Center is also home base for multiple schools of music and dance.  The Center’s Facebook page lists frequent events, concerts, recitals, and more.