Sala Quetzalcóatl, Iztapalapa

The Sala Quetzalcóatl is among the most prominent cultural and arts centers in the Historic Center of Iztapalapa. The center began as private movie theater. This was taken over by the community and reopened in 2007 as a performing arts center. The offering has grown to include classes and workshops as well as conference  and exhibition space.

The center also ended up making public lots of open plaza area. That’s encouraged street vendors to set up shop in a semi-permanent tianguis. That can stretch nearly to the Mercado Cabecera area which is already on the edge of the San Lucas neighborhood.

The San Pablo Chapel provides a pretty prominent backdrop. If that’s not enough, the center itself provides wall space to a number of local graffiti and street art groups. The works cover nearly three sides of the building.

With its history as a movie theater, the Sala Quetzalcóatl still has a pretty local emphasis on the art. Most Friday evenings are given over to a 7 o’clock film screenings and these are free and open to the public. There’s also a regular slate of dance and theater presentations.

But most international visitors will encounter the center on their way between Metro Iztapalapa and the Pasión por Iztapalapa Museum of Cultures. It’s about a five-minute walk. The next Metro station, Cerro de la Estrella, is even a little closer, just past the museum.