All about Art Gallery Caracol Purpura in Mérida, Mexico

The Art Gallery Caracol Púrpura is located on the shopping street Calle 60, a few meters from Parque de Santa Lucía. The gallery was founded in 2007 and offers Mexican or generally Latin American art, jewellery and sculptures.

There are several small galleries around a central courtyard with the Cafe Portavía. Most of the pieces are handmade using traditional techniques.

There is something for everyone, you can spend several thousand US Dollar on huge sculptures or a few dollars on a silver ring. You might also find alebrijes, the well known and often seen colourful fantasy creatures from Mexico.

The website of the Galería Caracol Púrpura also includes an online store where you can buy handmade Mexican silver, glass or amber jewelry, among other things.

Large ceramic sculptures

Right by the entrance area you will find many large ceramic sculptures. Among others, very beautiful Calavera. Calavera actually means "skull" in Spanish, but it also refers to the entire skeleton.

The colorful art objects are symbolic of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. In Yucatan, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the dead) is however known by it's Maya name, Hanal Pixan. Traditionally, the deceased are commemorated on this day.

Cafe Portavía

Cafe Portavía in the courtyard, which also offers some snacks, completes the feel-good ambience. You get a delicious breakfast (for example an avocado toast with ricotta) or just a coffee in the afternoon.

You'll find the same concept here as at the similarly very beautiful Casa Tho, combining shopping in various small galleries and stores in a relaxed and stylish atmosphere with a small café or restaurant.

Cultural events

The gallery places an focus on artists from the region and is providing a platform for those local artists. Occasionally, cultural events are also held such as exhibition openings, artist talks or workshops.

These events give you the opportunity to meet the artists in person and learn more about the mexican art. Note, however, that most locals speak little or no English.

Are you wondering about the name?

Perhaps you are wondering about the name? The name Caracol Púrpura (purple snail) is a tribute to an old Mixtec tradition from Pinotepa de don Luisa, a town and municipality in Oaxaca in south-western Mexico. The purple colour is extracted from the snails in order to use it for the colouring of local handicrafts.