If you’re curious about Mérida’s art scene beyond gallery walls, this is one of the most special weekends of the year.
The MEL Artist Studio Tour 2026, organized by the Mérida English Library, returns for its 13th edition — and this year it’s bigger, longer, and more expansive than ever. Over the course of three days, 61 artists will open the doors to their private studios, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creative life of Mérida.
This self-guided tour invites visitors to explore 41 artist studios spread throughout Mérida Centro and nearby colonias, making it one of the most immersive ways to experience the city’s thriving contemporary art community.
A Rare Look Inside Mérida’s Art Studios
What makes the MEL Artist Studio Tour so special is access. While many of the participating artists exhibit nationally and internationally — in galleries, museums, and art fairs — this is often the only opportunity to visit their personal workspaces.
Painting studios, sculpture workshops, mixed-media spaces, printmaking rooms — each stop offers a glimpse into how ideas take shape. Visitors are encouraged to talk directly with artists, ask questions about their process, and learn what inspires them to live and create in Mérida.
The tour brings together a diverse mix of local, Mexican, and international artists, reflecting the cultural richness that defines Mérida today. It’s informal, welcoming, and deeply human — art experienced not as something distant or untouchable, but as a living practice.
Expanded Hours, More Time to Explore
For 2026, the tour expands both in size and schedule, making it easier to plan your route and pace yourself.
Tour Dates & Times
- Friday, February 20 | 4:00 – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, February 22 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
With three full days, visitors can explore studios in Centro and venture into nearby neighborhoods without rushing — whether you want to focus on a few artists or make a full weekend of it.
Art You Can Take Home — and Conversations You’ll Remember
In addition to viewing work, many artists offer pieces for sale at accessible prices, making the tour a wonderful opportunity to start or grow a personal art collection while directly supporting working artists.
Just as meaningful are the conversations. The MEL Artist Studio Tour creates a relaxed space for dialogue between artists and the public, fostering connections that go far beyond a traditional exhibition visit.
Tickets & Practical Info
- Tickets: $500 MXN
(Includes access to all three days + a detailed studio map) - Where: Mérida Centro & nearby colonias
- Sponsor: Mérida English Library
Tickets go on sale February 3 and can be purchased at:
Proceeds support the Mérida English Library, a nonprofit organization dedicated to literacy, education, and cultural programming in the community.
Contact & More Information
- Trina Lawry (WhatsApp): 999 216 9090
- Laurel Wentz (WhatsApp): 999 390 3199
- Email: mel.studiotour@gmail.com
- Website: meridaenglishlibrary.com/ast
Why We Love It
The MEL Artist Studio Tour is one of those events that reminds you why Mérida has become such an important cultural hub — not just for exhibitions, but for living, breathing creative exchange. It’s intimate, inspiring, and uniquely Mérida.
Whether you’re an art collector, a curious traveler, or a local looking to rediscover the city, this is a weekend worth planning around.
