Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Alfredo Zalce is a contemporary art museum in Bosque Cuauhtémoc, Morelia, housed in a late-19th-century mansion. You can visit for free to see a permanent room devoted to Alfredo Zalce alongside changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
- Location: Avenida Acueducto 18, Centro, Morelia, Michoacán.
- From the hotel: about an 11-minute walk or 4 minutes by car.
- Typical hours: Open daily
- Admission: free.
What is Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Alfredo Zalce?
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Alfredo Zalce, often shortened to MACAZ, is an art museum in a former country house beside Bosque Cuauhtémoc, formerly known as San Pedro. The mansion was built in 1897 and is an example of Gothic Revival architecture in Morelia.
The museum opened to the public in 1971 as Galería de Arte Contemporáneo. It took the name Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in 1972, then added Alfredo Zalce’s name in 1993 to honour the artist. A renovation in 1998–1999 received support from the state government and Conaculta.
At Avenida Acueducto 18, Centro, the museum is a natural stop to pair with a walk through Morelia’s historic centre. The city’s historic streets and architecture make a complement to a gallery visit. This guide to Morelia’s historic centre covers the surrounding area.
What can you see in the exhibitions and collection?
MACAZ has one permanent exhibition room dedicated to Alfredo Zalce and seven rooms for temporary exhibitions of national and international contemporary art. The wider collection contains more than 3,800 works, including pieces by Efraín Vargas and other artists from Michoacán and elsewhere in Mexico; it is not displayed permanently because space in the building is limited.
Alongside painting and graphic art, the museum’s programme includes sculpture, ceramics and installation. You may also find artist-led tours, book presentations, specialized workshops, guided visits with educational activities for students, concerts, conferences and courses. These offerings vary, so check the museum’s official information when planning a particular activity.
The garden offers another look at Zalce’s work outdoors: it includes La mujer, Las bailarinas and El acróbata, sculptures made in 1995 from polystyrene, wire and cement.
What are the museum’s hours, admission and access?
Admission is free. Opening information can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 10:00–19:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
For a straightforward visit, start with the permanent Alfredo Zalce room, then look through the temporary galleries and garden. If you are going for a guided visit, workshop or other programme, confirm its schedule separately before setting out. You can contact the museum at (443) 312 54 04 or (443) 312 45 44, or email macaz.morelia@gmail.com.
How do you get to MACAZ?
MACAZ is about 0.7 km from a three-star hotel in Morelia, taking roughly 11 minutes on foot or 4 minutes by car. The museum’s address is Avenida Acueducto 18, Centro, 58000 Morelia, Michoacán.
FAQs
Is admission to MACAZ free?
Yes. Admission is free.
What are the usual opening hours?
Open daily. Confirm current hours before your visit.
Does the museum have a permanent Alfredo Zalce exhibition?
Yes. One of its permanent exhibition rooms is dedicated to Alfredo Zalce. The museum also has seven temporary exhibition rooms.
What is in the museum garden?
The garden includes three Alfredo Zalce sculptures: La mujer, Las bailarinas and El acróbata.