The history of Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara

This is the story of the Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara, now a stunning art venue you’ll definitely want to visit on your next trip to the Perla Tapatía.

Hospicio Cabañas palace with a dome reflected in a long, still water fountain near Camino Real Pedregal Mexico
Photo: Shutterstock

The Hospicio Cabañas is one of Guadalajara’s most iconic historic landmarks. Built in the 19th century as an orphanage and hospice for the elderly and the sick, today it stands as a museum and cultural center. Let’s dive into its fascinating history.

Located in the Historic Center of Guadalajara, the site—now known as Museo Cabañas—is considered one of Mexico’s most important historical and cultural buildings.

Aerial view of a stone courtyard by an old dome, surrounding the city at Camino Real Pedregal Mexico
Photo: Museo Cabañas

The Origins of Hospicio Cabañas

Construction began in 1805, commissioned by Bishop Juan Cruz Ruiz de Cabañas y Crespo, who envisioned a place to help the city’s most vulnerable: orphans, the elderly, people with disabilities, and the infirm. The building was constructed in several phases and completed in 1845.

The bishop entrusted Spanish architect Manuel Tolsá with the design. When it opened, the institution was called Casa de la Caridad y la Misericordia (“House of Charity and Mercy”).

Stone arches by a large courtyard under a domed tower in the sun at Camino Real Pedregal Mexico
Photo: Museo Cabañas

The Architecture

The building blends neoclassical and baroque elements. Inside, you’ll find 23 courtyards of various sizes, framed by long corridors lined with Tuscan-style arches and pillars.

At the far end, a second chapel—simpler than the first—was originally used as the hospice’s dining hall and named Tolsá in honor of its architect.

Stone pillars by a grand entrance under a tall dome with windows at Camino Real Pedregal Mexico
Photo: Museo Cabañas

From Hospice to Art Museum

Throughout its history, Hospicio Cabañas served as an orphanage, asylum, and hospital. In 1980, it was transformed into an art museum: the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, which remains active today.

The museum houses an outstanding collection of Mexican art, featuring works by renowned artists such as José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros.

Beyond the artworks, the building itself is a masterpiece—boasting grand galleries, a striking dome, and a vast central courtyard surrounded by arches and columns. Its walls are adorned with Orozco’s powerful murals, making the site a must-see attraction.

In recognition of its historical and architectural value, UNESCO declared Hospicio Cabañas a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Elaborate murals in a tall hall by wooden benches under a vaulted roof at Camino Real Pedregal Mexico
Photo: Museo Cabañas

Visiting Today

Today, Museo Cabañas continues to showcase Orozco’s murals in the Capilla Mayor, alongside rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

Visitors can take guided tours of the chapel, where 57 of Orozco’s masterpieces are displayed.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning a visit, Guadalajara offers excellent accommodation options near the museum:

Quinta Real Guadalajara (10 minutes from the museum) – A luxurious stay with deep cultural roots and historic charm. Expect antique furniture, original artwork, ivy-covered pink stone walls, gardens, fireplaces, and intimate suites perfect for escaping the buzz of the city.

Blue booths by tables under a painted ceiling in the elegant restaurant at Camino Real Pedregal Mexico

Camino Real Guadalajara (20 minutes away) – Designed by Don Luis Martínez Negrete, this hotel is set amid expansive green areas, offering both comfort and tranquility.

Blue pool by a massive leafy tree under a clear sky near the suites at Camino Real Pedregal Mexico

Now that you know the story of Hospicio Cabañas, make sure to add it to your Guadalajara itinerary—or even better, let this cultural landmark be the perfect excuse for a trip to the Perla Tapatía.