Fabrica La Aurora is a former textile factory that has been converted into a trendy hub of art and culture. Visit its galleries, furniture shops, design stores and studios with hundreds of artists under one roof.
Devote at least a couple hours to wandering down the corridors, drifting from one studio and shop to the next. They are all spread out on one floor and offer a vast and eclectic range of pieces and items for sale.
See canvases, sculptures, antiques, books, jewelry and much more. Stop at an interior design store and select a unique furniture piece for your home. Pick up a handmade garden accessory and browse rare works by Mexican artisans.
Watch artists at work and explore your own creative side by taking a workshop in painting, weaving or drawing. Participate in an art walk or any of the other events that are periodically held here. For details of what is taking place during your stay in San Miguel de Allende, visit Fabrica La Aurora's official website.
As you make your way around the site, look for evidence of its industrial history. You can see it in the marks left by machinery in some of the studios as well as pieces of original equipment.
Take a break from your cultural wanderings by pausing for some refreshments. The site has two cafés, one fast-food outlet and an up-scale restaurant.
The arts and design center is a 10-minute walk north from El Jardin, San Miguel de Allende's central plaza. As with many other places in the city, parking places within the vicinity are very limited. Walk or take a taxi as an alternative to driving.
Fabrica La Aurora has no admission charge and is open daily. Note that the majority of businesses close on Sundays. Many businesses follow different opening and closing hours from the main complex.