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.
Alejandro Mondría: The contemporary style of Alejandro Mondria's paintings is a cycle in motion with which he communicates and shares his vision of life.
Art by Design: Aware that good taste is not synonymous with the money spent and that art needn’t be original to look fabulous, gallery owners Jan Lavender and Deborah Acosta are offering a new, customized decorative art service in Marina Vallarta, Art by Design.
Caballito de Mar: A one-of-a-kind collection of antique silver jewelry created by Mexico's most renowned artists from 1910 to the 1980s is now available for sale at Caballito de Mar.
Galería Alpacora: Centrally located, Galeria Alpacora offers the finest selections of quality hand-crafted pieces and unique items from Latin-American countries such as Perú, Ecuador, Brazil and Mexico, among others. These unique creations include award-winning Peruvian tapestries, fine alpaca sweaters, stylish Mexican copper, unique gifts and much more, all meticulously created by artists and small workshops that collaborate directly with the owner to maintain the highest levels of craftmanship.
Galería Arte 550: Professional artists Patricia Gawle and Kathleen Carrillo's gallery space is as eclectic as their whimsical ceramic sculptures, paintings and other uniquely created assemblages.
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, Flor Garduño, Olivia Guzmán, Rodrigo Moya and Wouter Deruytter, among others.
Galería Pacífico: Galería Pacífico features some of the stars of the Vallarta art scene, such as highly acclaimed master sculptor Ramiz Barquet and Patrick Denoun, a masterful French painter renowned in Puerto Vallarta and its sister city of Saint Tropez. Other well-known artists based in the area include Brewster Brockman, Marco Alvarez and Alfredo Langarica.
Galería Rodo Padilla: Featuring the latest works of sculptor and craftsman Rodo Padilla, this gallery in the center of Puerto Vallarta is inhabited by fantastic, colorful characters.
Galería Sol y Luna: Sol y Luna features two El Centro locations, both representing established and emerging contemporary Mexican and international artists, but each with own, unique flair.
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.
Galería Vértice: Successfully founded in Guadalajara two decades ago, Galeria Vertice brings to Puerto Vallarta their unique selection of internationally renowned artists. Their roster is also available online, allowing the discerning collector to make a purchase using this method, along with visiting the gallery. Rather than focusing on many, Vertice showcases the work of a select few, whose unique styles are constantly evolving, and offers ongoing art appreciation courses in English and Spanish.
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 Rivera, Orozco and Coronel.
Galleria Dante: A must visit! Owners Claire and Joe Guarniere have presented sculpture and paintings in Vallarta’s largest gallery and sculpture garden for more than 10 years and specialize in original pieces created by contemporary artists. Works by more than 50 Mexican and international artists include Alejandro Colunga, Guillermo Gomez, Gabriel Colunga, Megrail, Zzepda, Valui, Capeche, Genest, Espiridion, Tellosa, Boback, Andie Hathcote, Knowles and Lambert, among others. Off-season viewings by appointment.
Glass Gallery M: Estela Herrera and Mariano Pérez established themselves in Vallarta in 1991. Their custom-made, stained-glass pieces depicting natural themes and abstract designs can be admired at some of the best hotels, restaurants and private homes in town and, of course, at their gallery. In their workshop/gallery you can watch craftsmen at work and place your order for your own stained- or beveled-glass windows.
Peyote People: An exceptional collection of native Mexican folk art 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, Tarahumara pine needle baskets, Yaqui dance masks, Zapatista rebel dolls, Mayan textiles and more.
