Museo de la Laca and the Santo Domingo monastery, Lacquerware museum in Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico
The Museo de la Laca and Santo Domingo monastery displays around 450 lacquered objects within a restored colonial building featuring two interior courtyards and a 16th century church. The structure preserves the original architecture and spatial arrangement of this religious complex, which now serves as a cultural center.
Dominican friars established the monastery in the 16th century as an important religious center in the region. Between 1999 and 2002, the building underwent a comprehensive restoration to transform it into a modern cultural center.
The collection displays traditional Mexican lacquerware made with chia seed oil and insect wax, alongside pieces from Guatemala, China, Thailand, and Japan. This diverse selection shows how craftspeople across different regions developed their own methods and styles for creating decorated objects.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, allowing visitors time to explore the displayed works at their own pace. Guided tours and workshops about lacquerware techniques are available and help visitors understand the craftsmanship behind the objects.
The museum is Mexico's only facility dedicated solely to lacquerware, with works from Pátzcuaro, Quiroga, Uruapan, and Olinalá. These four Mexican craft towns are known for their distinct styles and techniques, which visitors can see displayed side by side.
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