Things to do in San Miguel de Allende: Visit the Casona de la Canal

Published March 18th, 2023

In the first block of our city is a spectacular mansion not only for its beauty and history, which is no small thing but also because it has been dedicated for several years to be a free museum open to the public, which today exhibits paintings by the great Mexican muralist Diego Rivera and other great artists.

Yes, I am talking about the Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal, better known as the Casa de los “Condes” de la Canal, a family that is part of the historical memory of San Miguel de Allende. Its construction began around 1735 and its impressive door, built in 1740, has seen the passing of Mexico’s Independence, the Cristero War, the Revolution, and countless generations of San Miguel de Allende residents and visitors.

In recent days, the second floor of the palace was opened to the public to house new traveling collections that I am sure you will want to see, in addition to the building itself, as it was previously a restricted area to which only top executives of the bank to which it belongs had access.
The contemporary rooms and exhibitions are:
A villa and its palace.

The permanent exhibition talks about the region’s history and the life of Don Manuel Tomás de la Canal, who started the construction of this palace.

Children of yesterday… For the children of today

An exhibition was chosen for children but also for adults to enjoy, with works by Diego Rivera, Luis Nishizawa, Lauro López, Jesús Guerrero Galván, Carlos Orozco Romero, and Chucho Reyes.

Reyes.

Graciela Iturbide. When Light Speaks

An impressive black and white photographic exhibition featuring 46 works by the greatest exponent of photography in Mexico: Graciela Iturbide.

Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art: Success Stories

An exhibition that tells the stories of seven wonderful artisans who have been able to have a positive impact on their community and family through their creations.

Architectural Heritage of the National Bank of Mexico

Through models, audiovisual material, and technical data sheets, the bank tells us how it has managed to maintain, conserve, restore, and study all the historic buildings it has acquired.

Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and guided tours are at 10:30, 12:30, and 4:30 pm. Remember it’s free!