All about Universidad de las Artes de Yucatán in Mérida

The Universidad de las Artes de Yucatán is the country's leading higher education institution in the field of the arts. It offers programs in music, performing arts, visual arts, dance, arts management and more.

Founded in 2002, the university was part of a larger cultural transformation in the region aimed at promoting and preserving the arts and culture in Yucatán.

History of the building

Of particular interest is the historical background of the building, which is located on the former station of Mérida. After the discontinuation of passenger traffic in 1997, plans were already developed at the end of the 1990s to transform the historic station building into an institution for art and culture.

After the decision was made to proceed with the project, the neo-colonial station building was extensively renovated and transformed into the present university, preserving the original architecture and many of the historic elements. The current university building can be seen as a symbol of the university's cultural importance.

The history of the station of Mérida dates back to the late 19th century. It served as an important hub for the transportation of people and goods, especially for the export of henequén (a type of agave fiber).

The station was therefore a central part of Mérida's economic development. The huge site of Mérida's former main train station has since been converted into the Gran Parque La Plancha and is now the largest park of its kind in Latin America.