This Notorious Prison is Now a Stunning Arts Center in San Luis Potosí, Mexico

BY MARK CHESNUT

What was once a notorious penitentiary in San Luis Potosí, Mexico is now one of the nation's most impressive arts facilities.

The Centro de las Artes de San Luis Potosí, a fantastic arts center set in a historic former prison built 1884-1904. Its architectural design was forward-thinking for the time, with several building fanning out from a central guard tower. 

But times have changed. 

When you step through these walls today, you'll find a variety of eye-catching artwork, impressive art exhibits and cultural facilities, including the Leonora Carrington Museum, which is dedicated to the surreal artist (her work also graces several outdoor spaces at the center). This is a rewarding place to view works by a variety of Mexican artists as well as artists from abroad. 

Indeed, the Centro de las Artes de San Luis Potosí is more than just an art museum; it's a hub for cultural exchange and education. This iconic facility hosts a range of workshops, exhibitions and performances that highlight both local and international talent (if you happen to be planning a visit to San Luis Potosí, be sure to check the schedule to see if there are any art exhibits or live performances you might want to see). 

In addition, the institution collaborates with various cultural organizations to host festivals and events that celebrate the diversity of artistic expressions in Mexico.

The former penitentiary is also home to a theater and multiple schools of the arts. It’s a stunning reimagining of a historic site, and touring this arts center is one of my favorite things to do in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. 

We visited the Centro de las Artes as part of a private San Luis Potosí city tour with Autentico San Luis, which gave us even more insight about this fascinating place. I was so inspired that I created videos for my Instagram and YouTube channels. And I was also so intrigued that I paid a return visit a couple days later (it's located only about a mile from the City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosí hotel where we were staying).