Playa del Carmen Will Have a New Museum and Cultural Center

The former City Hall of Playa del Carmen is set to become the 28 de Julio Museum and Cultural Center

The Municipal Institute for Culture and the Arts (IMCAS) will manage the new establishment. This decision was unanimously approved during the Sixth Ordinary Council Session, led by Municipal President Estefanía Mercado, along with the trustee and councilors.

The approval of the new 28 de Julio Museum and Cultural Center means that all municipal departments currently housed in the old palace will need to relocate to the new City Hall facilities, located in Cruz de Servicios.

Estefania Mercado explained that the decision was made as there was no need for two active city halls. She stressed the importance of the old City Hall becoming more than just a museum and cultural center, envisioning it as a peace-building hub where residents can gather and enjoy themselves.

Luis Herrera Quiam, the city’s general secretary, clarified that the 99-year loan contract does not include the President’s office in the new City Hall. Instead, this space will be repurposed as a multipurpose meeting room for public servants. The official name of the room will be decided based on proposals from councilors, which should include an explanation of its significance.

The 28 de Julio Museum and Cultural Center will be dedicated exclusively to cultural and artistic activities, as well as promoting the historical heritage of Solidaridad. Departments currently occupying the building have less than a year to move to the new City Hall, with the General Secretary of the City and Major Officials given 90 days to prepare a relocation plan.

In the same session, the Council approved a modification project of the Annual Operating Program (POA) 2024. This allocates 4 million 360 thousand pesos for the construction of Public Works and Social Actions for this fiscal year, including the acquisition of machinery to enhance the pothole program.

Lastly, the Council designated the dome and multipurpose court of Puerto Aventuras as the temporary official venue for the swearing-in of its City Council members.

Enhancing Playa del Carmen’s Cultural Scene

Playa del Carmen has long been celebrated for its vibrant arts and culture. The city has played host to various cultural events, including the recently cancelled Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, an internationally recognized music event which attracted over 50,000 visitors annually.

The transformation of Playa del Carmen’s former City Hall into the 28 de Julio Museum and Cultural Center signifies a pivotal advancement in the city’s cultural landscape. Managed by the Municipal Institute for Culture and the Arts (IMCAS), this initiative underscores the municipality’s dedication to preserving and promoting its rich heritage.

Strategic Location and Community Engagement

Situated in the heart of Playa del Carmen, the new museum and cultural center is poised to become a central hub for residents and tourists alike. Municipal President Estefanía Mercado envisions the center as a place for community engagement and peace-building, offering diverse programs that cater to various interests. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader efforts to foster cultural appreciation and community involvement.

Operational Transition and Future Prospects

The relocation of municipal departments from the old City Hall to the new facilities in Cruz de Servicios is a significant logistical undertaking. The General Secretary of the City and Major Officials have been allotted 90 days to devise a comprehensive relocation plan, ensuring a smooth transition. Once operational, the 28 de Julio Museum and Cultural Center is expected to host a variety of events, exhibitions, and educational programs, contributing to the cultural enrichment of Playa del Carmen.

This development not only preserves a historic building but also repurposes it to serve as a beacon of culture and art in the region. By investing in such projects, Playa del Carmen continues to position itself as a leading cultural destination in the Riviera Maya.