Antesala — A New Chapter in Mérida’s Contemporary Art SceneA promising cultural space opens its doors in the heart of the White City, breathing new life into a cherished artistic legacy
Art enthusiasts, creators, and cultural advocates gathered to inaugurate Antesala, a new venue for contemporary art in Mérida. Located in the same building as Galería Secreta, this multidisciplinary space arrives under the direction of cultural promoter Mario Torre, whose vision is to amplify local artistic expression.
Antesala was created to provide a platform where visual artists, musicians, performers, and writers can showcase their work and connect with audiences and collectors. More than a gallery, the space positions itself as a cultural mediator, offering a program that will include exhibitions, workshops, and talks.
The venue carries echoes of the past. These walls once housed “You Need Arts,” a project that nurtured countless emerging talents. That legacy now continues with renewed energy, sustained by a community that keeps growing.
The opening evening on October 8 drew a diverse crowd spanning generations, aesthetics, and artistic disciplines. Rising talents such as César Rendón, Francisco Pechan, and Marisol Castro were joined by established figures, including curator and museographer Eduardo Serrano and Marco Díaz Güemes, Director of Visual Arts at the Universidad de las Artes de Yucatán. Michael Squillace and Mercurio provided live music throughout the evening.
For this debut exhibition, Antesala presents a collective of 60 artists working across disciplines: oil paintings, mixed media installations, sculptures, collages, watercolors, and utilitarian art objects. Among the inaugural exhibitors are Karen Kantún, Emilio Said, Sebastián Dávila, Pablo Benlliure, Gonce, Susy Lugo, and Adrián Bastarrachea.
The opening reflects Mérida’s thriving contemporary art scene, which continues to expand with new spaces and opportunities for local creators.
Antesala is at the Galería Secreta / Edificio Torre building, Calle 59 and 70, across from Parque Santiago. Follow @Antesala.mx on Instagram for upcoming exhibitions and events.
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