Exconvento de San Pablo
Exconvento de San Pablo
5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
129 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
25
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
agavebeat
Oaxaca, Mexico35 contributions
This beautiful cultural center is pretty much the 'heart' of Oaxaca. It is part of the Alfredo Harp Helu (ex-owner Citibank) Foundation, which offers free concerts, conferences, handcraft workshops, artisanal fairs, etc. throughout the year. It also houses four traditional art galleries with installations that change every few months and a permanent library dedicated to preservation of native languages. Just outside and around the corner is the fabulous Textile Museum. Entrance to the Cultural Center and all events are free.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chuck C
Lisle, IL211 contributions
excellent renovated space, go there for a coffee, enjoy the exhibits, appreciate the work of the Harp Helu Foundation.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,783 contributions
Couples
This ex convent has been converted into an an art gallery, with a number of interesting installations. Of note were a 'diablo' mask exhibition, an animal animation installation and a textiles display. It is free to enter.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Experience590611
Chicago, IL21 contributions
Solo
I got a quick tour of Oaxaca from a frequent visitor, and the Cultural Center of San Pablo was included. I probably wouldn't know about it otherwise, because it isn't on the maps! Don't miss it! Beautiful adaptive re-use and always interesting exhibits. Nice cafe and restaurant- but I love the building and exhibits.
Written April 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandra S
Guatemala City, Guatemala41 contributions
Couples
I was very impressed with the reconstruction of this building, particularly the library. The mosquito sculpture barely walking on water is lovely.
Written December 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katharyn R
Toronto, Canada44 contributions
This ancient convent/church, long a dreary lodging house, was transformed a few years ago by the Harp Helu Fondacion. Their architect kept some of the bones of the old buildings, but turned them into fresh, airy spaces containing exhibitions of local artists, historical photo records, even textiles. The lovely long courtyard is free to anyone who wants to sit and breathe and there is a cafe at the south end plus a restaurant at the north. Just a breath of fresh air in this lovely city. The complex leads to the Textile Museum of Oaxaca.
Written February 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NormBC
Vancouver, Canada261 contributions
Couples
I think the intended point of this series of buildings is not centrally one of its outputs, which is the restoration of the Exconvento de San Pablo. Rather, it is more centrally a vehicle to discuss how one restores Oaxacan historical buildings, many of which were once in terrible shape. Start your tour at the south end of things (you probably will enter from the north end). You will find there a visual discussion of building restoration and the kinds of choices faced by those doing it. Then work your way north, ending in the community center in the restored exconvent. There are great gallery displays there, a neat library tucked into the upper floor, etc. Midway there's even a little coffee shop.
Written February 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan M
Austin, TX181 contributions
Solo
I spent a lot of time at the Exconvento de San Pablo during two weeks in Oaxaca, because you can find a little bit of everything there. The buildings themselves are beautifully and lovingly restored, including the chapel, library, and exhibit spaces that include an archaeological find that pre-dates Monte Alban. But it's the way these buildings are used that makes them special. Two separate exhibit spaces feature different types of art--at the time that I visited, one featured a local textile artist and the other an exhibit of European-style chairs decorated with Mexican indigenous designs. Within the courtyard and a room that's designed as a family center I attended a couple of free concerts and a free movie screening. Check out their calendar--there are tons of free or cheap cultural events at San Pablo throughout the week that offer very high quality entertainment. I never ate at the restaurant, but had hot chocolate at the coffee shop and it was charming. Don't miss the bat-designed tiles on the way to the restrooms--this complex is full of amazing design touches that will surprise and delight the observant visitor.
Written June 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TiKeGi
Seattle, WA68 contributions
Couples
This place is known as the Cultural Center San Pablo and is in an old convent. They have a wide variety of cultural activities so it is worthwhile to check the schedule. Most are free. There is a display of artisan handicrafts here that are not for sale. They are examples of some of the finer work that can be found in the area. They also had a textile exhibit when we were there. The exhibits and events change out regularly. The Textile Museum is next door. It is only a block away from the Zocalo (main square). The Rufino Tamayo Prehispanic Art Museum is only 4 blocks away. You can group several activities in this area.
Written September 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bill P
Oaxaca235 contributions
Friends
Señor Harp is one of Mexico's multi-millionaires. Different than many, he gives back to the people. Many museums and organizations in Oaxaca have greatly benefited from his generosity. Exconvento de San Pablo is his latest in Oaxaca. He opened a street which had been closed for decades or centuries as a beautiful pedestrian walkway. He restored parts of a church and built a beautiful multistory learning center for young people. There are exhibits on the ground floor, glass floors revealing ruins from ages ago, a lovely courtyard where concerts are held, a play area for children and a restaurant serving Mexican and Lebanese dishes. Mil gracias de nuevo, Señor Harp!
Written November 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Exconvento de San Pablo (Oaxaca) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Exconvento de San Pablo
- Exconvento de San Pablo is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Hotels near Exconvento de San Pablo:
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- Restaurants near Exconvento de San Pablo:
- (0.02 mi) SP Restaurante
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