Centro de las Artes San Agustin.

© Danitza Yanez/Shutterstock

Centro de las Artes de San Agustín


Pretty San Agustín's large, early-20th-century textile mill has been superbly restored as the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín (CaSa), a spectacular arts center with two long, large halls. The lower hall is used as a gallery for often wonderful craft or art exhibitions; the upper one is a setting for concerts, conferences and other events. The center also hosts courses and workshops in a great variety of arts and crafts. Check the website for upcoming events and expos.

The sublime pools surrounding the building are part of a gravity-powered water system that cools the roof and also supplies a paper-making workshop down the hill. The design features – both arty and ecological – are the brainchild of Oaxaca artist Francisco Toledo, who helped turn the abandoned factory into an arts center in the early 2000s.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. San José El Mogote

3.47 MILES

As far as Zapotec ruins go, Mogote is the oldest of the old. The site predates Monte Albán in its earliest incarnation. Indeed its inhabitants are thought…

2. Museo Comunitario de Atzompa

6.98 MILES

Two kilometers down the road from the ruins toward Santa María Atzompa, the neglected Community Museum exhibits some very fine pieces of pottery found at…

3. Atzompa Ruins

8.22 MILES

If you like your pre-Hispanic Mexican ruins suitably ‘ruined’ and crowd-free without compromising on authenticity or spectacular setting, opt for Atzompa…

4. Cerro del Fortín

8.94 MILES

Oaxaca’s sentinel hill with stairs, statues, a park and – of course – views makes a robust early-morning run or walk. It starts on Calle Crespo at the…

5. Xochimilco Aqueduct

9.05 MILES

Wander northwest of the historical core and you’ll ultimately encounter this arched aqueduct rendered in typical green cantera stone that runs the length…

6. Museo de Sitio Casa de Juárez

9.23 MILES

The simple house of bookbinder Antonio Salanueva, who supported the great 19th-century Mexican leader Benito Juárez during his youth, is now an…

7. Espacio Zapata

9.26 MILES

In a city of provocative graphic art, this workshop and gallery is a key agitator. Founded by the art collective Asaro (Asamblea de Artistas…