¡Bienvenidos al Centro Cultural México Americano de El Paso!
Welcome to El Paso’s Mexican American Cultural Center!
Our grand opening date is Saturday, March 22, 2025!
Location
201 W Franklin Ave.
El Paso, TX 79901
Admission Hours starting on 03/22/2025
Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission
Admission to the gallery spaces are free.
Admission for ticketed events and performances will have varying prices.
View Events
Parking
Metered street and lot parking is available along Franklin Avenue.
City Parking Meter Information
Downtown Public Parking Lots
El Paso Convention Center Parking Garage
Many large-scale downtown events occur in the Downtown Arts District throughout the year. Please be advised that street closures regularly take place during these events, e.g., Chalk the Block, Dia de los Muertos, Winterfest etc., which will affect parking and drop-off/pick-up.
Thank you for your understanding and we encourage guests to consider using public transportation.
Public Transportation Information
You can also get to the MACC via public transporation provided by the City:
Sun Metro
Streetcar
Accessibility
Exhibits will be accessible with a focus on ADA compliance and inclusivity. If needed wheelchairs can be checked out with our Visitor Services staff. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis during operating hours. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available throughout the building during regular business hours.
Service Animals
Service animals, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, are allowed into the MACC. Visitors must keep the animal properly harnessed, leashed, and controlled. If limitation does not permit the use of a harness, leash, or tether, the animal must still be under visitor’s control. Staff or security may ask a handler to remove the service animal if control cannot be maintained, if the animal is not housebroken or is a threat to other visitors or artworks.
Photo & Video Policy
Thank you for visiting the MACC! Wondering if you can snap a photo of your visit? Here’s the answer:
Visitor Photography
We encourage visitors to capture their visit and share it on social media, tagging us @elpasomacc but we have a few rules to protect our objects and to respect other visitors’ experiences.
- Flash photography/videography is not permitted.
- Photography is permitted for personal, noncommercial use only with small handheld cameras/devices.
Note: Larger DSLR cameras or cameras with detachable lenses need prior approval from our Marketing & Communications Coordinator (See “Personal Photography” section below).
- Tripods, monopods, gimbals, and other camera extensions, such as selfie sticks, are not permitted.
- Photography must be conducted without disruption to other visitors, MACC operations, or limitation to the accessibility of exhibitions, classrooms, hallways, entrances/exits, doorways, and high-traffic areas.
- Live streaming of performances is not allowed.
- Visitors must remain behind stanchions and maintain a safe, non-touching distance from all works, cases, platforms, pedestals, and performers.
- Photography of the exterior of the MACC and the outdoor grounds is permitted.
- Photographs taken by visitors cannot be published, sold, reproduced, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever. The Mexican American Cultural Center is not responsible for any uses of visitor photography that infringe upon third-party copyrights or other rights.
- Photography or filming of certain works on view at the MACC may be prohibited. A no-photography symbol and/or no filming symbol will be posted in the galleries or next to the work of art. If you are unsure, feel free to ask our visitor services team for help.
Personal Photography
Staged photography, with or without a hired professional photographer, is not permitted in the MACC without prior approval. This includes but is not limited to graduations, proms, engagement/bridal portraits, photoshoots, or weddings.
Contact our Visitor Services team in advance for permissions:
Veronica Castañeda - (915) 212-0436 | [email protected]
MACC Photography
While at the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, visitors may be photographed by our MACC photographer or other authorized parties. These images may be used to publicize the MACC and its activities in print, online, and in display materials, and they may also be distributed to the media. Attendance on the MACC premises constitutes implied consent for the use of visitors’ likenesses in the MACC’s promotional materials.
Streaming
Personal live-streaming is permitted, subject to the same conditions described above. We ask that live broadcasts respect the privacy of other visitors. Staff and volunteers are not to be interviewed or otherwise engage with unauthorized live streaming.
Press Photography & Media Inquiries
Members of the media must make arrangements for all photo/video shoots and interviews in advance. Because the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center is a City institution, prior approval must be given via the City’s Public Information Office. Please email Rick Isaias, Lead Public Affairs Coordinator with the subject line as follows:
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]
Subject: EMACC- Media Request
*Please note that photo shoot requests that cannot be staffed will be declined.
FAQs
What is a cultural center?
A cultural center celebrates, examines, and shares many cultural forms and subjects with the general public. They may display art and artifacts but do not maintain collections as museums do. For a cultural center, learning is a primary focus; learning opportunities are usually interactive and hands-on, including a wide variety of disciplines. Cultural centers always represent multiple narratives, time periods, and histories.
What programs and spaces does the MACC offer?
The MACC offers a space for community members and visitors to experience and celebrate Mexican American art and culture. Specific amenities include:
- Auditorium
- Black box theatre
- Dance studio
- Oral history and recording studio
- Art studios
- Digital arts classroom
- Maker space
- Teaching kitchen
- Commercial Kitchen
- Rooftop lounge and culinary space
- Gallery spaces, to include curated exhibitions focused on Mexican and Mexican American art
- Artist-in-residence studio
Where is the MACC located?
The MACC is located in El Paso’s Downtown Arts District at 201 W Franklin St. It is within walking distance of the El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Museum of Art, La Nube, San Jacinto Plaza, and many other cultural hotspots. Outside the MACC is the newly updated Cleveland Square Park, and on the Main Library branch is adjacent to the MACC with entrance on Oregon.
Is the MACC free?
Yes! The MACC is free to enter and offers two gallery spaces for all visitors. Some programming such as performances, and certain classes or workshops is ticketed and fee-based. Free programing regularly takes place and is announced via our website and social media platforms.
Does the MACC accept donations of artworks or artifacts?
As a cultural center, the MACC is not a collecting institution. Any donations of artworks or artifacts can be directed to the El Paso Museums of History, Art, or Archeology. Each has their own criteria for such donations.
Can I exhibit my work at the MACC?
The MACC’s Community Gallery and artist- in- residence program allow artists and culture- bearers opportunities to have featured exhibits at the MACC. For inquires on the applicationprocess for these opportunities, please reach out to ([email protected])
How do I register for classes and workshops?
Registration for classes and workshops can be done on our website. These opportunities are announced via our website and social media platforms. Walk-in registrations are available based on spaces left for each class or workshop, and can be done at our front desk. Please visit our MACC Events page for more information.
Are classes and workshops available in Spanish?
Yes! Classes and workshops are available in Spanish. The MACC is dedicated to working with local artists and teachers who can offer these experiences in multiple languages. Spanish- only classes and workshops are highlighted on our events page when scheduled.
Can I schedule a tour of the MACC?
¡Claro que si! Formal tours of the MACC are available.
For rental inquires and personal group tours, please contact ([email protected])
For school tours, please visit our Ttours page for more information.
The MACC is also free to explore for regular visitors to the center. A formal tour is not necessary to enjoy the gallery spaces or free programing hosted at the MACC.
Can I rent spaces at the MACC?
We hope to host your events and celebrations! The MACC offers multiple spaces for personal rentals. Please visit our Rentals page for more information.
Will there be programming for senior citizens at the MACC?
Yes! The MACC is dedicated to offering programing that can be enjoyed by all ages. Workshops and classes for specific age groups are announced via our website and social media platforms. Performances and showings will also have age- appropriate signage for visiting groups.
Where can people learn more?
MACC main page
MACC Facebook
MACC Instagram
City of El Paso’s info page on the MACC
Museums and Cultural Affairs Department website
