The museum's collection holds the largest number of works by José Clemente Orozco in the world.
The museum building was originally constructed to be a restaurant before being converted into an art space by the Carrillo Gil family.
The collection includes significant examples of Japanese printmaking, reflecting the collector's eclectic international interests.
It was the first institution in Mexico to house a permanent dedicated space for video art and digital experimentation.
The museum's layout uses a 'floating' staircase design that was architecturally innovative for the time of its 1974 opening.
The Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil (MACG) is a specialized modern art museum housed in a functionalist building designed by architects Artigas, Rocha, and de la Peña. The institution centers on the private collection of Álvar Carrillo Gil and his wife Carmen Tejero de Carrillo Gil, who were avid patrons of the Mexican muralist movement. Its permanent collection emphasizes works by the 'Big Three' of Mexican muralism: José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Diego Rivera. The museum prioritizes the experimental and critical aspects of these artists rather than focusing solely on their public mural commissions. Beyond the permanent collection, the museum serves as a dynamic space for contemporary art, showcasing temporary exhibitions, multidisciplinary projects, and video art. The building is notable for its modular design and split-level layout which creates unconventional gallery spaces. It functions as a research-oriented institution that frequently highlights the interplay between historical avant-garde works and current artistic practices.
The central spiral-style staircase and the geometric, split-level architectural transitions provide the most unique photographic angles.
Check the museum's official digital archives before your visit to identify which specific Siqueiros or Orozco pieces are currently on display, as they rotate frequently.
Focus your visit on the smaller upper-level galleries which often house the most experimental contemporary installations.
Combine your visit with a walk through the neighboring historic San Ángel neighborhood to see traditional colonial architecture.
Do not confuse this museum with the much larger Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) located in the historic city center.
Closed on Mondays.
Photography without flash is generally permitted; maintain a low voice to respect the contemplative nature of the gallery spaces.
