Up until 1999, this striking building was a prison believed to have briefly held Francisco Madero. Ten years later, it was transformed – without losing its fundamental design – into an arts and cultural center. Some of the former cells have been maintained; others have been converted into offices. It's a must visit for architects. At 5pm, 6pm and 7pm there are guided tours (in Spanish; tip the guides).
Centro de las Artes Centenario
San Luis Potosí
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.12 MILES
This excellent museum devoted to the work of Mexican artist Federico Silva (b 1923) should not be missed. The 17th-century building was once a hospital…
0.97 MILES
This superb museum displays a fascinating collection of ceremonial masks from across Mexico and around the world, and does a good job at explaining the…
1.03 MILES
This fetching museum was originally part of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1590. The ground floor – part of which is housed in the small Capilla de San…
1.05 MILES
Once an important stop on two of Mexico's main train lines, San Luis Potosí has cleverly brought the past to life in this museum housed inside its…
1.02 MILES
The Churrigueresque Templo del Carmen (1749−64) is San Luis's most spectacular structure. On the vividly carved stone facade, hovering angels show the…
1.08 MILES
This impressive three-nave baroque cathedral was built between 1660 and 1730. Originally it had just one tower; the northern tower was added in the 20th…
Jardín de San Francisco (Jardín Guerrero)
1.01 MILES
Dominated by the bulk of the Templo de San Francisco and convent, and with a lovely fountain gracing its interior, this square is one of the city's most…
1.02 MILES
The altar of the 17th- and 18th-century Templo de San Francisco was remodeled in the 20th century, but the sacristy (the priest's dressing room), reached…
Nearby San Luis Potosí attractions
0.89 MILES
Inside the Templo de San José, facing the Alameda's south side, lies the image of El Señor de los Trabajos, a Christ-like figure attracting pilgrims from…
2. Templo de la Tercera Orden & Templo del Sagrado Corazón
0.97 MILES
The small Templo de la Tercera Orden, built in 1694 and restored in 1960, and Templo del Sagrado Corazón (1728−31), both formerly part of the Franciscan…
0.97 MILES
The Alameda Juan Sarabia marks the eastern boundary of the downtown area. It used to be the vegetable garden of the monastery attached to the Templo del…
4. Museo Nacional de la Máscara
0.97 MILES
This superb museum displays a fascinating collection of ceremonial masks from across Mexico and around the world, and does a good job at explaining the…
1 MILES
Beside the Templo del Carmen, this museum has a large collection of paintings and artifacts from the Spanish vice-regency. More of interest might be its…
6. Jardín de San Francisco (Jardín Guerrero)
1.01 MILES
Dominated by the bulk of the Templo de San Francisco and convent, and with a lovely fountain gracing its interior, this square is one of the city's most…
1.02 MILES
The altar of the 17th- and 18th-century Templo de San Francisco was remodeled in the 20th century, but the sacristy (the priest's dressing room), reached…
1.02 MILES
The Churrigueresque Templo del Carmen (1749−64) is San Luis's most spectacular structure. On the vividly carved stone facade, hovering angels show the…