Hospicio Cabañas
Cabañas 8 Las Fresas, Guadalajara, Jalisco
Home to some of Mexico’s most impressive José Clemente Orozco murals, the 19th-century Hospicio Cabañas Cultural Institute (Instituto Cultural Cabañas) is a former orphanage-turned-arts center. This UNESCO-recognized building is also notable for its imposing neoclassical architecture, among the best of its kind in Mexico.
Combine your visit to Hospicio Cabañas—accessible with a time-saving skip-the-line admission ticket—with a stop at the nearby Palacio de Gobierno, where you’ll find even more Orozco frescoes. Alternatively, take a dedicated murals tour of the city.
Alternatively, travelers with limited time in the region can visit Hospicio Cabañas on full- or half-day walking tours of downtown Guadalajara—both shared and private options are typically available. Once there, don’t miss the center’s other permanent and rotating art exhibits, as well as the building’s 23 courtyards.
The 57 Orozco frescoes are unmissable, but the institute also houses the world’s largest collection of Orozco drawings.
Hospicio Cabañas offers free entry for all on Tuesdays.
Book skip-the-line admission tickets in advance and save time on the day.
Hospicio Cabañas is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible and disabled visitors enter for free.
Hospicio Cabañas is situated in the heart of downtown Guadalajara and is easily accessible on foot from the city center. There are also plenty of public transport options nearby, including several public bus routes. However, the most hassle-free method of public transit, especially for non-Spanish speakers, is light rail. The closest station is San Juan de Dios, just a 10-minute walk from Hospicio Cabañas.
Hospicio Cabañas is open from Tuesday to Sunday between the mid-morning and early evening. It closes every Monday and offers free access to all on Tuesdays, ideal for budget travelers. Otherwise, the best time to visit Hospicio Cabañas is in the morning or early afternoon to escape the worst of Guadalajara’s midday heat.
Despite being one of Mexico’s most notable 20th century muralists, José Clemente Orozco isn’t as widely known abroad. However, his bold and vivid frescoes—often featuring Mexican figures of the day—are worth seeking out when in Guadalajara. After visiting the Hospicio Cabañas, stop by the Palacio del Gobierno and University of Guadalajara Art Museum (MUSA) to see the city’s full collection of Orozco murals.
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