A polychrome skylight depicting the erupting Volcán de Fuego makes a striking feature of the Pinacoteca Universitaria: it is located in the central hall of the Casa de Don Pascual. Colima also offers museums with a range of focuses, historic architecture, and opportunities to discover local cuisine. You can plan your stay around the subjects that interest you most.

Art at the Pinacoteca Universitaria

The Pinacoteca Universitaria has eleven exhibition halls in the Casa de Don Pascual and the Casa del Piano, where temporary exhibitions are held. The skylight depicting the Volcán de Fuego is in the central hall of the Casa de Don Pascual. The same hall also serves as a venue for recitals, literary events, concerts, conferences, and other cultural activities. If you are interested in a particular program, check what is currently on before your trip.

A dedicated focus is the permanent exhibition on Alfonso Michel. The works on display include “La Barricada,” “Bañista,” “Retrato de Pita Amor,” and “Jarras.” The Pinacoteca also preserves works of painting, drawing, sculpture, engraving, photography, and experimental techniques. A 2017 institutional profile puts the collection at more than 2,000 works; this figure reflects the situation at that time.

History and Folk Art in the Museums

The Museo Regional de Historia de Colima covers the history of the state from pre-Hispanic times to the first half of the 20th century. It is housed in a former Porfirian building that was constructed as a residence at the beginning of the 19th century. The themes of individual rooms also offer different perspectives on a museum visit: “Rito a la muerte – Tumba de tiro” contains a replica of a shaft tomb. The “El mar” room explores Filipino influence and Far Eastern trade via the Manila Galleon.

The “El cielo” room focuses on various religious orders, evangelization, and the adoption of San Felipe de Jesús as patron saint. Together with the collection’s broad historical range, the museum offers both an overview of the state’s history and specific thematic points of entry. The Museo Universitario de Artes Populares Ma. Teresa Pomar takes a different approach: it preserves, studies, and exhibits Mexican folk art, organized by craft type.

The Museo Universitario de Artes Populares presents its collection to visitors of all groups. It offers guided tours in Spanish and English for groups of ten or more. If you are planning a tour, confirm group arrangements before your trip.

Historic Center, Cuisine, and Leisure

In the historic center, cobbled streets, shady squares, and colonial-style buildings shape the cityscape. 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. A walk through the historic center, its parks, and museums is one of the tourist activities available; check current availability before booking.

For a culinary experience, visit the cenadurías, where the authenticity of Colima cuisine is preserved. Cervecería de la Costa is also part of the local scene: it is available at many local restaurants and bars and operates its own shops, where visitors can drink draft beer. Check which locations currently serve it before your visit.

Another specific leisure option is Parque de La Piedra Lisa. There, a large volcanic rock serves as a slide for children and adults. This gives you several interests to choose from when planning your trip: art and history, regional folk art, local cuisine, or a visit to the park. The priorities you choose can help guide you when selecting a hotel in Colima.

Discover more destinations: El Limoncito, Comala, Manzanillo, El Puertecito, Nuevo Caxitlán, Cuyutlán, Tecomán.

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