Tulum: An Art Lover’s Paradise

Tulum is a vibrant, bohemian travel destination that is applauded by hippies, trendsetters, avid travelers, and celebrities alike. Many adore its laid-back beach vibe, while others are drawn to its culinary excellence and growing nightlife scene; Tulum has a little something for everyone. I can speak from experience when I say that Tulum has an allure that is seldom captured by words. It’s absolutely magnetic, pulling travelers back time and time again. 

It’s a fan favorite, so there’s no shortage of articles and guides designed to give us the best of the Tulum experience. A quick google searches and you will know exactly where to stay, what to eat, where to shop, and where to seek out a little adventure. 

However, there is one aspect of Tulum culture that is wildly under-discussed- something that contributes so heavily to the atmosphere we all love so dearly- ART.

The art scene in Tulum is one of the most unique I have ever experienced- it is everywhere, down to the architecture and textile design. The next time you visit Tulum, I urge you to add some deliberate art-viewing to your itinerary. I have outlined some of the best (and easiest) ways to explore Tulum’s art scene below. 

On Your Own

Street Art

Particularly in town, Tulum is covered in beautiful murals and street art. Nearly everywhere you turn, there are colorful homages to Mayan culture, local wildlife, and abstract works of some of the best muralists in Mexico. In 2014, The Zamas Hotel started a Street Art project inspired by the Wynwood Walls in Miami, encouraging artists to help beautify the town. Since then, artists have continued to create masterpieces for all to enjoy. A simple stroll or bike ride (always recommended in Tulum) through the streets surrounding Av. Tulum will give you a glimpse of what the local art scene has to offer. There are also plenty of tour companies (and hotels) that offer guided art tours for a more streamlined mural-seeking experience. 

Art Installations/Sculpture

A trip down the beach road (an extension of Av. Coba) will surprise you with another kind of street art. Many inspirational signs line the road, as do sculptures commissioned by hotels and restaurants. Perhaps one of my personal favorites is the sculpture at Ahau Tulum, designed by South African artist Daniel Popper. I also highly recommend checking out the installation of the curtains at Casa Malca. The curtains are made entirely out of old wedding dresses and are 20 feet tall. And there’s not just art here, there’s history; the hotel was previously Pablo Escobar’s private mansion! It’s also worth mentioning that the hotel is stocked full of the current owner’s personal art collection which is definitely gallery-worthy. In fact, the owner, Leo Malca, is a famous art specialist from New York. 

Architecture and Textiles

Perhaps one of the most underrated ways in which Tulum is an artistic dream comes down to the architecture and interior design of many of its hotels. Businesses such as Azulik, Nomade, Be Tulum, and Nest all push design boundaries in the ways that they incorporate natural elements and local textiles. Azulik specifically has been described as a “habitable sculpture”. While some are more subtle in how they bring natural elements to their interiors, others test the definition of indoor/outdoor living with open-air bathrooms and bedrooms, and some are made mostly out of large sticks and grasses and mimic treehouse design. These buildings are awe-inspiring and challenge what a hotel should look like. I have personally taken many nature-inspired design cues from Tulum and incorporated them into my own home. I encourage you to visit as many of these unique buildings as you can!

With Others

Tulum Art Club

The first place I look forward to visiting when I arrive in Tulum via ADO is Tulum Art Club. This is a sweet little coffee shop on Av. Tulum which is housed inside an art gallery and workspace. The walls are adorned with the newest works of local and resident artists, there are often small sculptures throughout the shop and artists at work at nearby tables. Recently, Tulum Art Club has also begun offering events such as life drawing classes, Mayan ceramics classes, and cave concerts. Personally, I cannot wait to attend one of their cave concerts which take place in an underground cenote where a local sound artist plays pre-hispanic music by firelight. 

Sfer Ik

While Azulik has already been mentioned for its groundbreaking architecture, it is also worth noting that it boasts a new Art Gallery called Sfer Ik which you can roam for free. The museum itself is a design masterpiece and the rotating galleries inside are truly unique, often blending avant-garde art with ecological themes. 

Art With Me Festival 

This new festival, which started in 2018, is designed to be an immersive art experience where over 120 artists, musicians, and chefs create massive art installations and interactive experiences throughout the jungles, beaches, and streets of Tulum. This is a wonderful way to experience art in Tulum, especially if you are a festival-goer looking for something a little different from Coachella (concerts and parties are also planned throughout the entirety of the five-day festival).

Tulum in 2020 is a modern town. It isn’t just for the yogis, the foodies, and the influencers anymore, but the artists too! Tulum benefits from a vibrant art scene, which draws from its rich local heritage and stunning natural surroundings and can be found everywhere from its galleries to its architecture, to its festivals. The next time you travel to Tulum, be sure to set some time aside to experience the art of Tulum first-hand!