Merida Art Galleries

(Merida, The Andes, Venezuela)

Several quality galleries reside in Merida, with noteworthy permanent collections of Venezuelan art works and related themed exhibits.

A number of these galleries specialise in pieces of a contemporary nature, such as both the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) and the Juan Astorga Anta Modern Art Museum (Museo de Arte Moderno Juan Astorga Anta). If you favour something more traditional, then the Merida Museum of Colonial Art (Museo de Arte Colonial) may well be more suitable, with its strong colonial setting and atmosphere.

Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)

Address: Avenida 2, Merida, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 0274 529 664
Housed in the new Cultural Arts Complex, this small museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, holding exhibitions of work by locally and nationally well-known artists. The complex itself boasts a performance arts centre where regular events take place. Visitors to the Museo de Arte Moderno can find information about the various local concerts, musical events, festivals and theatre performances, as well as enjoying some striking canvasses and sculptures. Located on the northern side of the city, the Museum of Modern Art stands right next to Beethoven Park, where you can stroll amongst the trees and tell the time by using an unusual floral clock, complete with its wooden elves and flowerpots for numbers.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 12:00, 15:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Juan Astorga Anta Modern Art Museum (Museo de Arte Moderno Juan Astorga Anta)

Address: Calle 21 Lazo, Between Avenida 2 Lora / Avenida 3 Independencia, Merida, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 0274 252 4380
The Museo de Arte Moderno Juan Astorga Anta is one attraction well suited to any art aficionado and frequently stages exhibitions of contemporary art, which change on a regular basis and actively promote local Venezuelan artists - both established and up-and-coming. Founded towards the end of the sixties, the gallery is part of the Tulio Febres Cordero Cultural Centre and as well as its changing displays, also boasts a permanent collection with pieces by acclaimed artists such as Cesar Rengifo and Oswaldo Vigas. Onsite, the Jose Nucete Sardi Art Library provides further interest and is another reason to visit.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Museum of Colonial Art (Museo de Arte Colonial)

Address: Corner Avenida 4 Simon Bolivar / Calle 20 Federacion, Merida, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 0274 252 7860
This traditionally focused museum and gallery holds a fine collection of art and artefacts, the majority of which date from the colonial period. Set within a beautifully preserved colonial mansion, religious paintings and sculptures are in good supply, together with plenty of crafts and antiquities. An interesting feature of the building is its cool interior courtyard.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge