Cancún’s Abandoned Auditorio Gets a Modern Makeover

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The Auditorio del Bienestar, a long-abandoned and structurally flawed public venue in Cancún, will undergo a major transformation into a modern cultural and entertainment hub, Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa announced.

A Legacy of Neglect and Poor Construction

The governor described the auditorium, located on Boulevard Colosio, as a "white elephant"—a symbol of corruption and mismanagement by previous administrations. Built with public funds, the facility was left unused for years due to substandard construction, including weak materials like drywall instead of solid walls, inadequate safety measures, and a lack of basic infrastructure.

Lezama emphasized that the venue posed serious risks, including overcrowding with 40% more seats than permitted, insufficient emergency exits, and no proper accessibility features. "It wasn’t a public work; it was a threat to people," she stated.

A New Vision for the Space

The revitalization project follows the successful rehabilitation of other neglected public spaces under Lezama’s administration, such as Cancún’s Poliforum (now home to the professional basketball team El Calor de Cancún), the Bicentenario sports complex in Chetumal, and the Nohoch Suku’n gymnasium.

The new auditorium will be redesigned as a safe, functional, and modern venue equipped with air conditioning, proper accessibility, and adequate facilities to host large-scale cultural events and performances. "We are rescuing it to create a space where Quintana Roo’s residents and visitors can enjoy world-class experiences," Lezama said.

The governor reiterated her administration’s commitment to combating corruption and reinvesting public funds effectively. "With honesty, money goes further," she concluded.

The project aims to turn the once-derelict site into a key destination for entertainment and cultural activities in the region.