Laboratorio de Arte Alameda

The old convent of San Diego, founded around 1591, is now a museum of contemporary art focused on experimental and conceptual pieces.

It's believed the convent was located on the edge of the viceregal city of Mexico. It was for this reason that the Inquisition decided to place its burner in front of the temple so that the pestilence would not reach the city. Witches, Jews, heretics, Lutherans, and others judged by the Holy Office were burned alive there.

The Mexican bonfire had three different locations, but this was the most lasting. Currently, a plaque at the entrance reminds visitors of the story. The convent was in operation from 1596 to 1771. The convent was fragmented in 1861 by the reform laws that closed some religious services. Only the temple remained intact until 1934 when it was expropriated and used as a warehouse, printing press, and auditorium.

Between 1957 and 1959, the muralist Federico Catú painted the mural "Los informantes de Sahagún" inside the chapel of Dolores. The mural depicts the natives telling the life in pre-Hispanic Mexico to the historian Fray Bernardino de Sahagún. That was the last mural made by Catú.

In 1964, the Pinacoteca Virreinal was founded and exhibited the great masterpieces of Mexican viceregal art. In 2000, the pieces were moved to the National Museum of Art. Then, the Alameda Art Laboratory was inaugurated, a place conceived as an exhibition space for contemporary art.

The museum has a documentation center, experimental film cycles, and several art workshops. Visitors will encounter video art, sound art, experimental film, conceptual pieces, performances, and more. The tour includes the entrance to the high choir by tiny spiral staircases and the entrance to the small courtyard of the former convent.