Ex Escuela de Cristo is a former school and present-day art gallery on Andador Juárez in Aguascalientes’ historic center. Built in 1773, it combines an important place in the city’s educational history with a continuing programme of cultural activities.
- Location: Andador Juárez, historic center; the address is Lic. Benito Juárez 107, Zona Centro.
- Gallery hours: published schedules differ, so confirm before visiting.
- Admission: admission is free according to the Secretaría de Cultura’s Sistema de Información Cultural.
What is Ex Escuela de Cristo?
Ex Escuela de Cristo is a historic educational building that now serves as a gallery and cultural venue. Its full venue name is Galería Ex-Escuela de Cristo, also called Galería de la Ex-Escuela de Cristo.
Constructed in 1773, the building was Aguascalientes’ first public educational institution. The school was founded by Francisco Rivero y Gutiérrez, and José Antonio Velarde was its first director.
The site changed over time: a hall with arches and vaults was built during modifications in 1830, and the Lancasterian system was introduced in 1837. In 2004, the building was remodeled and inaugurated as an art gallery under the name Escuela Pía Centro de Artes. It opened with Ángel Zárraga’s exhibition “Ser antes de hacer.”
How do you get to Ex Escuela de Cristo?
For a gallery visit, Hotel Marney Aguascalientes for a visit to the gallery is about a 27-minute walk or a 9-minute drive from Ex Escuela de Cristo. The gallery is on Andador Juárez in the historic center, at Lic. Benito Juárez 107, Zona Centro, 20000 Aguascalientes, Ags.
If you are walking, use the address to orient yourself in the central streets rather than relying only on the gallery’s different name forms. The Instituto Cultural de Aguascalientes gives its address as Andador Benito Juárez 107 and provides the telephone numbers 449 910 2010 ext. 1408 and 449 915 1691.
When can you visit the gallery?
Published schedules span Tuesday through Sunday, with opening times ranging from 10:00 to 11:00 and closing at 18:00. Admission is free according to the cultural listing. Check the official site before you go.
For confirmation, contact the Instituto Cultural de Aguascalientes at 449 910 2010 ext. 1408 or 449 915 1691, especially if your visit depends on a particular opening day or time.
What can you see and do at the site?
Ex Escuela de Cristo brings together the building’s educational past and its role as a cultural venue. Activities in the former classrooms and esplanade include exhibitions, presentations, workshops, concerts, cultural tianguis and gatherings.
The esplanade hosts a tianguis of crafts and local products on Fridays and Saturdays. Since schedules and activities can change, confirm what is happening if you are planning around a particular event or market day.
What can you combine with a visit?
The gallery sits on traditional Andador Juárez and is a few steps from Aguascalientes Cathedral.
Teatro Morelos is another central landmark. It was inaugurated in 1885 and designed by engineer José Noriega. The theater was the site of major Mexican Revolution events, including the Revolutionary Convention and the appointment of Eulalio Gutiérrez as provisional president.
Free visits to Teatro Morelos require an appointment, while events are charged; its hours are Monday through Friday, 08:00 to 15:00. Check current arrangements before adding it to your plans. A guide to visiting Teatro Morelos covers the venue in more detail.
FAQs
Where is Ex Escuela de Cristo?
It is on Andador Juárez in Aguascalientes’ historic center. Its address is Lic. Benito Juárez 107, Zona Centro.
Is admission free?
The Secretaría de Cultura’s Sistema de Información Cultural states that admission is free. Confirm current access details before visiting.
What was the building originally used for?
It was Aguascalientes’ first public educational institution, constructed in 1773. It later became an art gallery and cultural venue.