Sculpture of Columbus (CC photo by Willem Van Bergen courtesy of Flickr)
The beautiful CECUT (Centro Cultural Tijuana) was opened in 1982 as part of the National Fund for Social Activities. The fund was established to raise awareness for the arts in addition to elevating the standard of living for locals looking for social activities, especially the youth. It was also hoped that the center would increase tourism from California. After falling under tourism and then education, the center then became part of the National Council for Culture and the Arts.
Interior of the center (CC photo by Willem van Bergen courtesy of Flickr)
The center hosts amazing exhibits and shows throughout the year, but starting in 1992 it became the proud host of the Orchestra of Baja California. A few years later the Spanish American Center for Guitar found its home on the CECUT campus.
An impressive curriculum is available for every member of the community. Youth programs are geared in groups of learning levels including ages four to six, seven to nine and ten to twelve. Education for all ages is an important part of the center’s mission though and CECUT promotes the history of the area through exhibits focusing on the people of the Tijuana region and overall pride in the mexican culture.
Stunning sphere of cinematic fun (CC photo by Willem can Bergen courtesy of Flickr)
The beautiful center boasts an IMAX theater, a playhouse, a museum and gorgeous garden. The various areas having different entrance fees but the well designed website offers up-to-date prices and lists of current exhibitions. The main box office is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 in the morning until 9:00 in the evening.
Architectural details (CC photo by Willem van Bergen courtesy of Flickr)
The center is a marvelous example of promoting the quality of life of an area while teaching acceptance and understanding through tourism. The campus offers a great way to spend the day and, even if Spanish isn’t your native tongue, a show in the IMAX is a lot of fun. The CECUT is definitely a lively and enjoyable way to spend the day when visiting Tijuana.