Colima: City History, Art and Colima-Style Cuisine

Explore Colima through its art, history and the character of its historic center. In its museums, you’ll encounter Mexican folk art and subjects spanning the pre-Hispanic period to the first half of the 20th century. Add to that cobbled streets, shady squares, parks and a cuisine whose traditions are preserved in the cenadurías.

Art and Culture in Colima

The Pinacoteca Universitaria is spread across the Casa de Don Pascual and the Casa del Piano. Together, they house eleven exhibition galleries, where temporary exhibitions are held. The collection includes more than 2,000 works of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography and experimental techniques. If you’d like to explore a range of artistic expressions, you’ll find a broad overview of media and works here.

A polychrome skylight in a central gallery of the Casa de Don Pascual depicts the Volcán de Fuego in eruption. The Pinacoteca’s central gallery also serves as a venue for recitals, literary events, concerts, conferences and other cultural activities. A permanent exhibition is dedicated to the painter Alfonso Michel; selected works include “La Barricada,” “Bañista,” “Retrato de Pita Amor” and “Jarras.”

History at the Museo Regional

The Museo Regional de Historia de Colima takes visitors through the state’s history, from the pre-Hispanic period to the first half of the 20th century. Its galleries focus on different subjects. “Rito a la muerte – Tumba de tiro” features a reconstruction of a shaft tomb. The “El mar” gallery explores Philippine influence and Far Eastern trade via the Manila galleon. “El cielo” covers religious orders, evangelization and the adoption of San Felipe de Jesús as patron saint.

These subjects make the museum a place to explore different periods in Colima’s history, from burial practices to long-distance trade and religious history. As you plan your trip, you can pair a visit with the Pinacoteca’s art collections if you’re interested in different perspectives on culture and history.

Folk Art, Architecture and City Life

The Museo Universitario de Artes Populares Ma. Teresa Pomar preserves, researches and displays Mexican folk art, organized by craft. Its collection is intended for audiences of all kinds. Guided tours in Spanish and English are available for groups of ten or more. If you’re traveling as a group, you can factor this option into your plans.

History and architecture also shape your stay beyond the museums. Colima’s historic center has cobbled streets, shady squares and colonial-style buildings. Tourist activities include walks around the center, its parks and museums. The Catedral Basílica Menor is considered an icon of religious architecture in Colima; the Teatro Hidalgo has retained its original form since the mid-19th century.

Parque de La Piedra Lisa is home to a large volcanic rock that children and adults use as a slide. This playful experience offers a change of pace from museums and historic buildings and can be a shared activity for families.

Colima-Style Cuisine and Choosing Your Accommodation

Colima’s cenadurías preserve the authentic character of the local cuisine. Beer is another option: Cervecería de la Costa is available at many local restaurants and bars, and also operates its own shops where visitors can drink draft beer. So alongside art and history, your stay can also include regional food and drink.

When looking for a holiday rental in Colima, you could start by asking what you’d like to focus on during your trip: museum visits and art, the historic center and its parks, or local cuisine. Colima offers a range of reasons to visit, so you don’t have to limit your stay to just one side of the city.

More places to explore: El Puertecito, Nuevo Caxitlán, El Limoncito, Cuyutlán, Tecomán, Comala and Manzanillo.

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