Explore Casa de los Venados: Mexico’s Largest Folk Art Collection

Nestled in the heart of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Valladolid is a picturesque, tranquil city often overlooked by tourists. Yet, it holds a monumental surprise: Casa de los Venados, a private home boasting the largest collection of Mexican folk art.

Easily located on central 40th street, the property is marked by a cauldron-colored facade and a sturdy main door adorned with a deer head mask. Owned by two Americans with a deep love for Mexico, they have invested their fortune in acquiring folk art and proudly display their collection. Visitors are welcome any day of the week at 10 a.m., with an entrance fee of 100 pesos that goes directly to charity.

The home is a treasure trove of over 3,000 pieces of Mexican folk art, collected over four decades. From the moment you step into the hallway, you are immersed in a world of paintings, figurines, ornaments, furniture, lamps, and textiles from across the country. After a brief introduction, visitors are free to explore room by room, each filled with an array of artwork, even in the bathrooms. Skull images are a prominent feature, appearing in various situations and characters. Other pieces include alebrijes (mythological animals), chairs, bowls, vases, murals, and even trompe l'oeils.

The house was purchased in 2000 by John and Dorianne Venator, who transformed it into a sanctuary for their collection and a hub for Mexican and foreign artists. They humorously named it Casa de los Venados, translating their last name to 'House of the Deers.' Today, it is one of Valladolid's most rewarding attractions.

Valladolid itself is rich in attractions, with a well-preserved historical center of Spanish-style houses. Many line the charming Calzada de los Frailes, leading to the churches of Candelaria and San Bernardino.

Uniquely, Valladolid also hosts a cenote, a flooded sinkhole, in its urban center. Typically found in remote jungle areas, this natural wonder is a rare sight and is even suitable for swimming. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters, believed by the Mayans to be an entrance to the underworld, and dine at the cenote's restaurant.

Valladolid is also an excellent base for visiting nearby sites like Chichén Itzá (42 km away) and Ek’ Balam (28 km away), offering a relaxed retreat that comes alive at night in the Zócalo.