Mérida’s Historic Market in Rare Photos

Mérida, Mexico — The Mérida City Museum, as part of its "Piece of the Month" program, is presenting a new photographic exhibition dedicated to the Lucas de Gálvez market and the transformation of this emblematic space.

The exhibit features ten gelatin silver prints on glass and cellulose acetate, presented in collaboration with the Pedro Guerra Photographic Archive of the Autonomous University of Yucatán. The collection offers a distinct perspective on spaces rich with history, customs, aromas, and flavors.

A Glimpse into the Past

At the opening of the collection, located on the museum's ground floor, Professor Cinthya Cruz Castro, coordinator of the Photographic Archive, emphasized the importance of understanding the evolution and transformations of the market. She described it as an emblematic city landmark that has borne witness to commerce and served as a reflection of traditions, gastronomy, and the cultural and social life of the community over time.

The images date from between 1900 and 1930. One photograph shows the main facade of the Lucas de Gálvez market, recently renovated and inaugurated in 1909, displaying its neoclassical style.

Other photographs depict merchants inside the first Lucas de Gálvez market, which was constructed in 1887. Another image captures fruit and vegetable vendors outside that same building on 56th Street.

The sale of products such as grains, poultry, and fruits and vegetables is documented in three images from 1930. The exhibit also includes two stereoscopic images: one shows what remained of the former San Benito citadel, the site of the current market, and the commercial activity from the end of the 19th century (1905); the other depicts the supply center that served the city of Mérida at the beginning of the 20th century, showing the first market, inaugurated in 1887, facing the grain market portico from 1900.

The economic life of the surrounding area is represented by a photograph of the facade of Donato Escobedo's business, located in stall 6 of the bazaar on 56th Street, taken in 1898. Finally, a scene from the patriotic festivals held at the former San Benito citadel is included, with the neoclassical structure of the Lucas de Gálvez market visible to the left in an image from 1910.

The exhibition is complemented by a color work by master artist Manuel Lizama from 1987, which is part of the museum's permanent collection.