Learn about the history of media and graphic arts at Guadalajara’s Museo del Periodismo y las Artes Graficas (Museum of Journalism and Graphic Arts). The museum is housed in a historic building, which was home to Guadalajara’s first printing press and Mexico’s first independent newspaper. Explore the museum’s library, galleries and exhibitions and discover the building’s fascinating past.
Admire the building’s neoclassical architecture with its arches and ornate balustrades. It is known locally as “la casa de los Perros” (the house of dogs) because of the two wrought-iron sculptures of pointer dogs sitting on top of the front façade. Legend has it that the dogs come to life at night and wait for their owners.
Take a walk around the museum’s permanent exhibitions, temporary displays, art gallery and auditoriums. Admire the media artifacts on display, such as a 1970s television set and a radio from the early 20th century. Marvel at stunning images in the photojournalism exhibition and browse through books about journalism and graphic art in the museum’s library. See displays on graphic arts in the educational room and learn about early forms of visual communication, such as parchments, clay and papyrus. Examine exhibitions on pre-impressionism, impressionism and bound art books.
Find the room dedicated to the insurgent press and, in particular, Mexico’s first independent newspaper El Despertador Americano (The American Wake Up Call). First published in December 1810 during the Mexican War for Independence, it ran for only seven issues before it was stopped and its editors and printers were prosecuted.
The museum is located in the historical centre of Guadalajara, a short walk from the Museo Panteón de Belén and the Guadalajara Cathedral. It is easy to reach by tram from the nearby Plaza Universidad stop. The museum is open to the public every day except Mondays. A reasonable entrance fee applies with discounts for students and seniors enter free. On Tuesdays, entry is free.
