Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey 🇲🇽

Located in the Centro district of Monterrey, Mexico, adjacent to the Macroplaza and Barrio Antiguo, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (MARCO) is a major contemporary art museum worth visiting for its striking architecture and world-class collection. Designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta and opened in 1991, the Minimalist Post-modern structure spans 16,000 square meters.

Inside, you will discover 11 gallery halls across 5,000 square meters of exhibition space, brilliantly lit by balanced arrangements of natural and artificial light. As you explore, you will see a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, and graphic artworks primarily created by contemporary Mexican and Latin American artists, alongside works from Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Outside, you can admire an outdoor sculpture garden courtyard, the Central Patio courtyard featuring a water mirror fountain, and a notable landmark at the entrance plaza: "La Paloma," an 18-foot, 4-ton abstract bronze dove sculpture by Juan Soriano at the corner of Zuazua and Jardón streets. Beyond the galleries, MARCO hosts temporary exhibitions from prominent global artists and houses an auditorium, a gift shop, and a restaurant for you to enjoy.

What to see at Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey

• Distinctive Minimalist Post-modern architecture designed by Ricardo Legorreta
• towering 18-foot bronze sculpture "La Paloma" by Juan Soriano at the entrance plaza
• 11 gallery halls featuring contemporary Latin American and international artworks
• Central Patio courtyard equipped with a relaxing water mirror fountain
• Outdoor sculpture garden courtyard, museum restaurant, gift shop, and auditorium

Visiting tips

Be sure to stop by the entrance plaza at Zuazua and Jardón streets to snap a photo of Juan Soriano's massive 4-ton bronze dove sculpture, "La Paloma."

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey is easy to reach on Monterrey’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Monterrey Cathedral and Puente de la Unidad. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Monterrey travel guide.