It’s not for nothing that the word "art" is embedded in the name Puerto Vallarta! With the exception of the capital, Puerto Vallarta has more important art galleries than anywhere else in Mexico. Artists from around the world gravitate to Puerto Vallarta’s beauty, which they mirror in their work – fashion, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, painting, poetry, writing, the list is endless. And the Huichol Indians, who live deep in the mountains around Puerto Vallarta as they have for centuries, enliven the local art scene with their culturally meaningful yarn and bead art. Providing an excellent overview of what’s available, the Downtown Art Walks are held biweekly late October through April. To find out exactly where any of these galleries are situated, visit our Maps page.
ANdante: This new Galleria Dante spinoff features the works of three Jalisco sculptors, Guillermo Gomez, Oscar Zamarripa and Israel Zzepda, who now have a separate space to showcase their works, which, collectively, have been exhibited in Puerto Vallarta for over 78 years.
Colectika: Kevin Simpson of Peyote People ups the ante, as far as Mexican folk arts are concerned, by creating Colectika, a separate gallery space devoted exclusively to a new generation of artists who combine traditional arts with new materials, ideas and technological influences.
Galería Contempo: Galeria Contempo showcases contemporary Mexican art with an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by recognized artists, as well as emerging talents. With a wide range of prices sure to delight art collectors and enthusiasts, the gallery features the work of painters such as Lucille Wong and Irma Griza.
Galería Omar Alonso: Recognized as a leading contemporary art dealer and well known as the first in Puerto Vallarta to handle fine photography, this gallery has become a space for today´s emerging artists, the promising trademark names of tomorrow. It proudly represents highly credentialed artists such as Luis González Palma and Flor Garduño.
Galería Pacífico: Gary Thompson founded Galeria Pacifico in 1987 and since then has been providing a refined blend of sculptures and paintings of a collectible level by leading Mexican artists and foreigners residing in Mexico, such as the late Ramiz Barquet, Brewster Brockmann, Luis Espiridion and several others.
Galerie des Artistes: The eclectic display of objets d'art draws you from room to room until you find the perfect piece for that special place in your home. The exhibit ranges from small decorative items to works by Evelyne Boren to extraordinary masterpieces by some of the all-time masters, such as Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco.
Galleria Dante: A must visit! Having celebrated its 15-year Anniversary in 2010, Gallería Dante is Vallarta's largest and most eclectic gallery, residing in an old hacienda with an outdoor sculpture garden. They feature the works of more than 50 artists, ranging from museum quality to emerging, the majority Mexican.
Galería Uno: One block from the Malecón, this prestigious gallery was established in 1971 and for the past 33 years has consistently featured the finest Mexican artists, from those with international reputations to local, most-talked-about artists. Owners Jan Lavender and Martina Goldberg are exceptionally well informed about art and they pride themselves in displaying nothing but the best in a charming and exciting atmosphere.
Míralo: Proprietors Rodolfo Rosas and Bud Shafer are always on hand in this centrally located creative space that, since 2007, has been showcasing Rosas' one-of-a-kind glass mosaic works of art. The artist also features carefully selected complementary works by art collectives from Guadalajara, Guerrero and other art meccas in the country.
Peyote People: An exceptional collection of native Mexican folk art sought after by specialized museums worldwide includes Huichol Indian yarn paintings and bead art from San Andres Cohamiata done with new Czech iridescent and micro beads, Oaxacan black clay pottery, alebrije wood carvings, and more.
Puerco Azul: “Fun” is the theme at this gallery featuring some of the best folk art in Mexico. Nancy and Lee Chapman’s collection includes furniture, jewelry, ceramics, dinnerware, tapestries, gift items, antiques and vintage clothing with a contemporary flavor.
The Genius of Paco: Open to the public since March, 2009, this eclectic gallery specializes in promoting and preserving traditional Puerto Vallarta art and the artists that have pursued this sought-after genre. The gallery owns an important collection of naif art and also features two spacious art studios.
