On May 17, 2024, the Ephemeral Museum for Culture and Art (MECA) opened in Mérida, Yucatán, marking a significant milestone in the city’s cultural landscape. The launch event featured key personalities such as Abril Cortés, Director of MECA; Mario Torre, Director of Galería Secreta; Professor Loreto Villanueva, Secretary of Culture and the Arts of Yucatán; Wendy Basto from Mérida’s Tourism Liaison; and businesswoman Ligia Aguayo.

Mérida, already a hub for social, cultural, and tourism activities, is set to further elevate its status with MECA, a novel cultural initiative that mirrors successful models from major global cities. This initiative brings art closer to the people and is expected to attract both local and international visitors, enhancing the cultural appreciation within the community.

MECA builds on the successful exhibition series by Galería Secreta, which has been a staple in Mérida’s art scene throughout the 2023-2024 season. From May 17 to May 26, the historic Torre building in the Santiago neighborhood will transform into an expansive museum space. Visitors will experience guided tours, interact with curators, museographers, and artists, and engage in activities designed to foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment of contemporary art.

The museum features works from 12 artists, displayed across six exhibition halls, and includes over 120 pieces spanning expressionist, abstract, and pop art styles. The lineup includes both established and emerging artists, such as Gabriel Ramírez from Mérida, Ralf Walter, Roy Sobrino, Jordi Alós, Ariel Guzmán, Jorge Carlos Zoreda, Jaime Barrera, Celina Fernández, Lida Ponce, Francisco Barajas, Marcos González “Foreman,” and Rodrigo Morán. Their contributions are set to leave a lasting impact on Mérida’s cultural offerings.

The concept for MECA was developed by Mario Torre, creator of Galería Secreta and curator of the museum’s experiences, with cultural manager Abril Cortés at the helm of its execution. This initiative aims to drive the growth and appreciation of art and culture in Mérida.

MECA will be open to the public from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Admission is priced at $100 pesos, with free entry for children. Students with valid ID and seniors can enter for a reduced fee of $50 pesos. Tickets grant access to all the museum’s activities.