The Baja California Sur Art Museum (MUABCS) is the first space in Southern California dedicated and equipped to host, display, and showcase modern and contemporary art, along with a gallery focused on the visual arts of Baja California Sur.
The building dates to 1878 and has served many purposes: military barracks, government palace, Library of the Californias, youth center, and Center for Traditional Arts and Popular Cultures. In 2018, expansion work began to house the MUABCS.
At first glance, it resembles the Los Angeles Museum, also known as LACMA, not because of its architecture but because of its iconic “plaza” filled with lamps.
It is located a few blocks from the La Paz Malecón, on 5 de Mayo Street, next to Velasco Garden and the Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz.
While primarily a cultural venue dedicated to the arts, it has a special focus on modern and contemporary art.
The renovation was designed by Lightmoxion studio and was finally inaugurated in 2020, in partnership with the Museum of Modern Art of Mexico City.
The MUABCS showcased the “Landscapes” exhibition, highlighting the work of renowned Mexican artists.
The building features a simple, contemporary architectural design. Its exterior is painted entirely in white, with a touch of amber on the cornices. The museum has three exhibition halls: one for modern art, one for contemporary art, and a Southern California visual arts hall. There is also an auditorium used for exhibitions, lectures, film series, video screenings, live performances, and other events. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closing at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.