The Best Art Galleries in Los Cabos

Tucked behind San José del Cabo’s historic main square and church lies the colorful and charming Los Cabos Gallery District. This hive of activity, brimming with inviting shop fronts and updated neoclassical-inspired architecture, has become the cultural locus of Los Cabos, drawing daily crowds—the biggest occurring on Thursday evenings for the Gallery District Art Walk, running November through June. But you needn’t wait until Thursday to explore. In fact, there are so many galleries to see, you simply wouldn’t have time to visit them all. So we suggest mixing with the locals and devoting your afternoon—or maybe two—to the gallery-hopping pastime. And, to help you plot your course, we’ve listed what we think are a short list of the best galleries in Los Cabos, so you can skip the research and just show up. Chances are good you’ll meet the artists on site, maybe mid-creation, so bring your questions and expect to leave with a piece of art!

A visit to the Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery is “transcendental” to some, “unexpected” to others, and “absolutely inspiring” to the majority. To all, a visit to this visionary’s gallery is an interactive experience, with artwork that absorbs energies, plays music, or changes colors, and more. According to the gallery website, the artist’s modernist style is inspired largely by his faith and through it, his intention to constantly renew his artistic and spiritual expression. He does this by creating interactive art—a genre unto itself—engineering software and hardware that he applies to his art so that when touched, for example, a painting may not only produce sounds but “come alive” to match the rhythm of the participant’s measured pulse. Amidst his permanent collection, visitors to the gallery will find countless paintings of hearts and angels, all painted and sculpted to deliver messages of love, faith, and hope. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday with variable hours.

By contrast, Casa Dahlia Gallery, is a “minimalist” gallery, housed in a century-old home with exhibits showcasing several local and international artists’ work, all of them for viewing only. A permanent collection tends toward the monochromatic or single-color gradation. Sculptures on pedestals punctuate an otherwise traditional gallery floor, with ample space to observe, mingle with other visitors, or the artists themselve. Originally from Portland, Oregon, owner Leah Porter opened Casa Dahlia in 2006 to display Mexican and international collections. Describing herself as attracted to art that is “meditative in nature and expressive in colour,” she wanted to create a space that inspires a sense of calm and relaxation. Visitors have said she’s warm and passionate and happy to share her thoughts over a glass of champagne. Contact the gallery to plan your visit and to see what’s on.

Some stumble upon it during the Gallery District Art Walk. Many, once they find it, make a point to return every year. That’s because Enrique Bascón’ Galeria de Arte is every bit “mesmerizing.” Drawing on all styles and methods, spectrums and mediums from collage and pop-art to realist and abstract, the artist appeals to a range of inspiration-seekers. In his words, “To paint for me, is to create a reflection in a mirror into which everyone is invited to look. I want to offer a proposal to the viewer so they can travel inside themselves.” Originally from Bilbao in Basque Country Spain, Bascón began painting when he was young, studied Fine Arts in college and has been practicing ever since. His oil paintings, drawings, and prints are all available for purchase. A well-known series includes a collection of life-size oil paintings paying respect to beach vendors titled “Vendors”, and an ongoing series of drawings depicting the artist’s views on the sociopolitical climate in Mexico, titled “Tintas”. Visit the gallery website for visiting information.

Visit the home of one of the foremost contemporary abstract figurative painters and sculptors at the Frank Arnold Gallery. And when we say, ‘home’ we mean it; the gallery that displays his internationally renowned work doubles as his home and studio, and you can tour all three. Try not to gawk at his oversized gorgeous oil paintings and cast bronze sculptures, many of which are said to hold a distinctly haunting quality that simultaneously draws you in and pushes you into a space of universal contemplation. Arnold was named International Artist 2018, by International Artist Day, IAD and divides his time between San José del Cabo and Mexico City, Mexico. Arnold has showcased his unique and expressive multi-disciplinarian style in galleries and museums throughout The United States and Mexico. Be on the lookout for his works on the streets around the Gallery District, like the 24-foot sculpture of Alma Del Cabo in the Frank Arnold Plaza de San José del Cabo. The gallery is open 10 am - 7 pm daily.

Looking for something different than paintings and sculpture? Caravane Cabo is part showroom and part concept shop featuring imaginative textile applications in furniture and functional interior design elements. Gallery owners handcraft their creations for some of the top hotels of Los Cabos but showcase their favorites pieces in this colorful multi-room exhibition space. Custom concha chairs painted to look like avocados have become an Instagram sensation, while top sellers include flat weave rugs hand-woven by Mexico City artist, Bi Yuu. Textile design elements are often inspired by Mexican modernist architecture while modern takes on the Acapulco chair are said to have been inspired by incarcerated men in Oaxaca. Anyone is welcome to visit the showroom, even without an intention to make a purchase. Call the gallery at 624-142-3614 for more information.

Of course, there are more galleries worth visiting than we’ve listed here, but we suggest you come and find your own favorites, like the Huichol Collection, the Golden Cactus Gallery, the Patricia Mendoza Art Gallery or so many others.

Start planning your Cabo art adventure today!