With just two decades under its belt, Mexico City Art Week, narrated by ZsONAMACO, is more dynamic than ever. Offering an array of rich activities—including art fairs, gallery openings, museum exhibitions, and an abundant of entertainment options—the city’s festive week continues to thrive, naturally attracting the arts community and cementing its status as a destination du jour. Amid the curated events, there’s much to discover through alternative fairs, expos, and parties, all of which are enveloped in the rich culture, the unforgettable gastronomy, and the vibrant pulse of daily life in Mexico City.
Courtesy of Museo Tamayo.
Although Art Week officially runs from February 7–11, it generally spans a full week with cultural programming, commencing on February 5 with select private gallery openings and activations. Museums often open exhibitions early in the week and host soirees to celebrate—such as the Museo Tamayo gala and Museo Anahuacalli’s presentation of Wyatt Kahn’s show “Ghosts.”
Courtesy of Salón ACME. Photography by Alum Vázquez.
Across the city, a host of private lunches, dinners, and dance parties for artists, gallerists, and collectors also take place. Anchored by several major fairs—including Sálon Acme and Material Art Fair—Art Week presents smaller fairs, too, like BADA, QiPO, and Clavo Movimiento. Additionally, smaller exhibition spaces like Laguna provide an intimate atmosphere for those seeking a more relaxed environment. Here, here visitors can enjoy a cup of Buna on the rooftop, and then explore galleries like LLANO and Ballista.
Below, we’ve curated a list of cool-kid hangouts during Mexico City Art Week 2024, highlighting our favorite details from opening parties, pop-ups, concerts, and more.
NARANJO 141 Presents “Here, Elsewhere”
Courtesy of NARANJO 141.
Founded by Ashley Noyes and Bryce Smith nearly a year ago within a traditional rowhouse in Santa Maria la Ribera, NARANJO 141—a project-based contemporary art gallery and residency program—is currently presenting “Here, Elsewhere.” Open through March 10, it is a collaborative exhibition highlighting the latest works by Anna Kenneally and Lizzy Lunday, respectively hailing from London and Brooklyn. Employing a spontaneous and dynamic approach, the artists depict individuals navigating unknown landscapes in their creations.
Their shared commitment to exploring the present moment resonates throughout their compelling bodies of work, addressing uncertainties in identity and sense of belonging. As the Mexican capital has become an international hub, this theme is highly reflective of the experience many expats and digital nomads in Mexico City have felt.
The Overview Effect: Eduardo Castillo’s Musical Performance
Portrait of Eduardo Castillo by Alejandro Yuvero.
Eduardo Castillo, the beloved Tulum fixture and Habitas hospitality figure, is embarking on a tour to Mexico City to cap off the festivities. Renowned for his distinctive concerts, Castillo offers an auditory voyage delving into the essence of “The Overview Effect”—a profound realization of Earth’s fragility and the interconnectedness of all its inhabitants. The closing concert for Art Week served as an opportunity for collective grounding, a shift in perspective, and heightened awareness. Set amidst flickering candlelight and an array of vintage carpets, the venue was tucked away in a secret corner of the beautifully weathered Antiguo Hotel Reforma, with Carl Sagan‘s speech A Pale Blue Dot projected.
MATTE Projects Presents “Veladas Especiales”
The New York City-based creative agency MATTE Projects presented “Veladas Especiales,” a series of intimate concerts during Art Week. Remaining steadfast to their commitment to experiential parties, they enlisted highly sought-after talent to perfor, including DJ Harvey, DJ Tennis, and Chloé Caillet, alongside local artists. Furthermore, the group commemorated the first anniversary of their new Mexico City office.
MATTE Projects’ ambitious plans to expand its presence in the market will be seen through large-scale projects, further nurturing its global community of like-minded talent. Hosted at a new speakeasy-style discotheque named Mimi Disco, with unparalleled views of the El Ángel de la Independencia, it hosted a specially curated crowd, providing an excellent escape.
“In Bloom” Opens at Chic By Accident
Chic by Accident, photo by Angelika Pokovba.
Situated in Roma Norte, the French gallery Chic By Accident—known for its appreciation of furniture and antiques—has always been a delightful addition to the Art Week gallery circuit, but this year, it surpassed all expectations. Presenting a private collection of Huichol visual art and relics from the Nahua, the exhibition on view, “In Bloom,” pays homage to the indigenous groups of Mexico. Showcasing their remarkable talent for distilling natural phenomena into potent abstractions that blend reality with mysticism, the exhibit marks a significant stride for the gallery in exploring diverse realms of presentation and artisanal design.
For those looking to stay close, La Valise Mexico City has expanded its offerings with five new suites, two spa suites, and a pool, introducing an unprecedented PISCINEMA concept. Just a few blocks away, it was known as one of the world’s smallest hotels with just three suites, yet now it boasts eight suites and ample space to extend one’s bed directly onto the patio beneath Mexico City’s sky.
Otora Studio and PLONK Immerse Us in Flowers and Fine Wine
Courtesy of Otora Studio.
Otora Studio is an emerging florist shop making waves in Mexico’s creative scene, embodying an artistic interpretation of the contemporary through floral arrangements. Its founders, Amanda and Paulina, transform exotic flowers like anthurium into living sculptures, crafting pieces as a true testament to their creative vision. Its current exhibit “Purple Haza” at the historic Humboldt Building within its Bambalina showroom is a mesmerizing purple forest that captivates all who enter its enchanting realm. Otora Studio also offers unique floral arrangements for delivery in the city and specializes in event decorations.
PLONK in La Condesa has also blossomed, bringing a new wine bar and concept venue with contemporary charm to the forefront. With a concise menu and extensive selection of wines from around the globe, curated by an in-house sommelier, the space is a not-miss destination for anyone in town. For those seeking additional sensory inspiration, a glass of wine accompanied by an abundance of flowers promises to be a truly delightful experience arranged by both.
Ago Projects Collaborates with Agnes Studio
Courtesy of Ago Projects and Agnes Studio.
Ago Projects, revered in Mexico’s design realm, is not only a master of craft but adept at discovering emerging talent and fostering collaborations. Agnes Studio‘s exhibition, “AMULETOS,” showcased an assortment of interior design objects and milagritos—small symbols of hope and reflections of society. Each handmade piece, crafted in Guatemala by artisans from diverse backgrounds, offers a unique perspective that celebrates the richness of artisanal art. Of particular note were a yellow couch, leather stool poufs, and a marble table with golden inserts—a collaborative effort between marble artisans and cask makers that resulted in a captivating piece.
Soho House Mexico City Electrifies Juarez
Launched in September as the inaugural Latin and South American outpost of the esteemed international membership club, Soho House Mexico City is considered one of the most beautiful in its global collection. Welcoming guests from around the globe, the house serves as a constant nexus of cultural exchange and social interaction in the heart of the Juarez neighborhood. Hosting an array of gatherings and events throughout Art Week, Soho House effortlessly balanced a lively atmosphere with an understated elegance, providing the ideal setting for international visitors to mingle and unwind. For those craving a bite beyond the confines of the property, NINYAS, conveniently located across the street, offers a delightful Japanese cantina experience to satisfy your appetite.
Casa Wabi Sabino Brings a New Sense of Cool
Casa Wabi, photo by Angelika Pokovba.
Since the establishment of Casa Wabi, the art residence and outdoor gallery in Puerto Escondido, an outpost in the capital was inevitable. Inaugurated last Art Week, Casa Wabi Sabino, hosted in an Alberto Kalach-designed building in Santa Maria la Ribera, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Featuring artworks by renowned artists like Bosco Sodi, it now seamlessly integrates with the landscape and skyline of the city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range from its rooftop. Casa Wabi Sabino emerges as a functional retreat and a haven for dreamers enamored with brutalist architecture, located within an industrial corner of the neighborhood that has earned a reputation as the “new cool.”
Carlos Amorales Performs Estados Fragmentados
Carlos Amorales, courtesy of Ana Karen Morales.
One of the most thrilling aspects of Mexico City Art Week is the diverse array of performances. Material Art Fair excels in providing numerous one-of-a-kind events throughout the week that showcase the unique and highly sophisticated levels of Mexican artistry. From events at Veri Bari and an EXT party to exhibitions in historic homes—including the never-before-opened PEANA exhibit at Casa/Estudio Nancarrow—Material consistently exceeds expectations. This year, a standout was Fragmentos Documentados, a chorus performance held within the Polyforum Siqueiros. Far from a traditional chorus, the immersive experience left attendees profoundly transformed, featuring a narrative about Naga and music performed amid the audience. Singers illuminating the unique location with flashlights provided a unique approach, infused with an ironic undertone that provided a critique of the late futurism inherent in the revolutionary muralism of the location. The sold-out show was by far one of the week’s best events.
