Place to see: Casa de La Cultura Oaxaqueña, Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico

About this place:

There may be no water in the fountain in the central courtyard of this ex-convent, but it bubbles nonetheless with color, creative energy and the awkward first efforts of beginning musicians. Beyond offering classes on everything from chess to the cha-cha-cha, the Casa de La Cultura displays a variety of work by local and national artists. Recently, exhibitions included photographs of ballet dancers in flight, vibrant abstract paintings and a collection of somber surrealist photographs—unfortunately located in a poorly lit corridor. But while may have to squint at whatever is next hung in that space and while getting there will take a roughly eight-block hike from the main square, in doing so you’ll be taking a trip not just to a museum, but a real city institution, where residents—and not just tourists—take some time out for art.