A collective of artists have taken over this former department store that was built in 1907.   It was going to be demolished in 1990 – when a group of artists had it declared as a historic building – and then took it over.  Today it is a art center and a night club.  Part BM, part Space Island, part festival.

Entrance to Kunsthaus Tacheles

Glass and metal artist

One of the many galleries

There are 5 floors. The stairways smell like urine and are covered in graffiti

Every part of the stairs has some sort of urban art on it.

View from the 5th floor

Hansel and Gretel?

Inside Kunsthaus Tacheles

I’m not a shopper but I am a lover of art.  And that’s what I found here.  Tlaquepaque is modeled after a Mexican village.  Being that I have been to the original village with the same name near Guadalajara, Mexico, I can attest to the fact they have captured the essence well.  There’s a way the sunlight playfully peaks through the leaves and the soft rustle of the leaves as the wind lightly brushes her skirts through.  There’s peekaboo arches leading to benches inviting you to sit down.  There’s no rush to go anywhere.

Exploring the shops is fun.  I’ve met some really nice artists and store owners who take the time to show you their craft.  I stumbled upon a gift/art store called “Calling All Angels” and found myself in sensory overload with all the unique items to be found for ladies.  Every piece was original.  Purses had beads.  Belt buckles had sparkles.  And guarding all the wares was this cute little pug.

When you feel hungry… stop by another favorite of mine in Tlaquepaque,  My Secret Garden, a breakfast, lunch, and dessert shop tucked into a cozy corner in… you got it.. the garden.

To become a playboy.

That lasted until 1919  and then he went back to work to make a few more million.  Long story long, he learns Arabic which made him millions of dollars by expanding in the Middle East.

His fortune is what has brought us the Getty.  The Getty is based in Los Angeles.  Getty is the world’s largest supporters of art.  The Getty Museum quotes, “. Paul Getty viewed art as a civilizing influence in society and strongly believed in making art available to the public for its education and enjoyment”.

The Getty is completely FREE.  You should go.  In fact – as I write this I’m thinking… hmm… time to go again.

What I loved:

The grounds are zenlike and peaceful.  The building is a modern piece of art in itself.  You’ ll have the opportunity to see art from ancient civilizations to modern artists.  I recommend it immensely.

Also… keep in mind the Getty is set up in the hills.  We went on a cloudy day and it was surreal in the way that they have these large floor to ceiling windows in the hallway that made me feel like I was walking among the clouds.  I’d look at art… look to my left… and was floating and walking on clouds.   Art gets to me… what can I say.  And I was in fantastic company… with a man from Minnesota..in a museum that was gifted from a guy from Minnesota… (now you see the connection?  Wow – so obvious!)

Recommendation:  Go.  Artists have a special way of seeing things.  And then a gift for touching you through their work.  And the Getty Museum has great pieces and it’s free.  So what are you waiting for?