DETAILS
Every February, Mexico City becomes the global center of contemporary art during Art Week Mexico City. In February 2024, join us for an exclusive experience amid this artistic celebration, with VIP access to Zona Maco, Latin America’s most prestigious and internationally acclaimed art fair. In addition to these events, discover Mexico City’s artistic and cultural heritage through private looks at many of its most cherished ancient and modern treasures.
- Pricing from
- $7,099
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Feb 6, 2024 - Feb 12, 2024
JW MARRIOTT HOTEL MEXICO CITY POLANCO
Seamlessly merging contemporary elegance with functionality, this refined hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with sophisticated marble-clad bathrooms. Delight in authentic Mexican cuisine at Xanat Bistro & Terraza, or take a refreshing dip in our outdoor pool after a day of activities in the city. Stay active in its health club equipped with cardio machines and free weights. A nearby helipad is available, with complimentary transportation to and from the helipad provided for all guests.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL IN MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Depart by air for Mexico City, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Guests opting for the suggested flights will be met at the airport and take the group transport to the hotel. This evening, delight in a special after-hours visit to one of the world’s great museums, the Museo Nacional de Antropología. Admire its masterpieces of Pre-Columbian art, including dazzling finds from the tomb of Pakal, a Maya lord who reigned at the site of Palenque in the seventh century A.D. and the great Aztec Calendar Stone—now one of Mexico’s national symbols. Then enjoy a welcome dinner back at the hotel.
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day 2
MEXICO CITY
After breakfast, delve into the world of contemporary art at the Museo Jumex. This museum, designed by the illustrious David Chipperfield and unveiled in 2013, boasts one of the largest private collections of contemporary art in all of Latin America. You’ll be treated to works by renowned artists such as Damien Hirst, Gabriel Orozco, Nancy Rubin, Tacita Dean, Cy Twombly, and Olafur Eliasson. Our exploration of contemporary art continues with Zona Maco, the largest art fair in Latin America, where we’ve secured VIP access, giving you the chance to experience the show before it opens to the public. Spend the rest of the day here reveling in the vibrant energy of Mexico City’s thriving art scene. Lunch will be on your own, giving you the freedom to explore the city’s many culinary delights. Our group will reconvene for dinner at an exciting restaurant in the trendy Roma neighborhood.
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day 3
MEXICO CITY
Embark on a delightful morning tour of the Museo Rufino Tamayo in the company of a director or curator. This museum, founded by the esteemed Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo in 1981, showcases a stunning collection of modern art from both the artist himself as well as pieces by such luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and René Magritte. After the tour, gather for a delectable lunch of Oaxacan cuisine at an acclaimed eatery. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the stylish Polanco neighborhood and wander through its various art galleries, fashion studios, and designer ateliers. Dinner is at leisure to choose from the city’s countless dining options.
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day 4
MEXICO CITY
Start your day with a tour of the dazzling Casa Gilardi, a private residence and a feast for the senses. The inventive use of saturated colors, focused light, and reflective water create an awe-inspiring, otherworldly atmosphere. Notably, this was the very place where the famed American artist James Turrell lived and was inspired by the exceptional use of light. Next, head to the LABOR Gallery, where thought-provoking exhibits delve into themes of work and the working-class experience. For lunch, venture to a unique site, Lago/Algo, which brings together contemporary art, architecture, and gastronomy. This exciting new project, opened in 2022 and managed by the renowned OMR art gallery, is housed in a pre-existing modernist building from 1964 and overlooks the beautiful Lake Chapultepec. After lunch, you have the freedom to choose how you’d like to spend your afternoon. Perhaps you’ll return to Zona Maco for a closer look at the exhibits, or visit one of the city’s other art fairs, like the trailblazing Salon Acme showcasing emerging artists without gallery representation or the innovative, experimental Material Art Fair featuring contemporary artists. Later in the evening, gather for dinner at a beloved Mexico City favorite.
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day 5
MEXICO CITY
This morning, transfer to the charming colonial neighborhoods of Coyoacan and San Angel for a private pre-opening tour of the Museo Frida Kahlo, affectionately known as the Casa Azul (Blue House). This house served as the birthplace, childhood home, and eventual residence of the artist as her career flourished. Nearby is the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo, designed by the renowned architect Juan O’Gorman. Go behind the scenes of its intimate spaces where the artists painted, entertained, and lived. Then visit the studio of Gabriel Orozco, one of the most significant and fascinating contemporary artists of his generation and a master of drawing, photography, sculpture, and installation art. You may even get a chance to meet the artist. Lunch will be at a local favorite, Taqueria El Califa. Afterwards, explore the Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil, which boasts an impressive collection of paintings, collages, photography, sculpture, and video works by renowned Mexican artists such as Jose Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, Laura Anderson Barbata, Taka Fernández, and David Alfaro Siqueriros. From there, you’ll head to the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC), where a director/curator will lead you on a tour of this cultural landmark designed by Teodoro González de León. It holds the most extensive public collection of contemporary Mexican art, including paintings, photography, and sculptures. If time permits, stop by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Library (UNAM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This university complex is a testament to how Mexican traditions inspired 20th-century modernism and is home to a collection of public murals. View the façade of the Central Library, which is decorated with mosaics by Juan O’Gorman and David Alfaro Siqueiros’s mural, The People to the University, the University to the People on the rectory. Dinner is at leisure tonight.
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day 6
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Venture to the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes to feast your eyes on the colossal murals by revered Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Among the museum’s many marvels is its breathtaking theater, adorned with an exquisite and unique Tiffany Studios crystal curtain. If the schedule allows, remain here at this historic theater to savor a traditional folkloric performance. Walk to the Plaza del Templo Mayor, a bustling hub at the core of Mexico City and an active archaeological site that once housed the ancient Great Temple of the Aztecs. Our stroll will take us past the Palacio Nacional to behold Diego Rivera’s poignant murals depicting Mexico’s struggles and triumphs. From there, meander through the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor and past the Cathedral, which is crafted from the stones of the demolished Aztec temples. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure, perhaps for shopping in one of Mexico City’s liveliest neighborhoods. Gather later to enjoy a festive farewell dinner.
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day 7
MEXICO CITY / RETURN
After breakfast, depart for the Mexico City airport and your flights home.
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