¡Viva Tijuana! City thrives with artistic activity

Editor's note: ¡Viva Tijuana! is a multi-story series about the life and culture of San Diego's modern neighbor to the south. More stories from the series can be found in links below. From pop-ups to poetry readings, and street festivals to classical music performances, Tijuana thrives with artistic activity as a new generation finds its voice. Feel the creative pulse at these must-see places, which prove this vibrant border city that has become a major Mexican cultural hub. - Sandra Dibble Casa Duhagón Architect Mariana Postlewaithe recently opened Casa Duhagón, a full-service décor and design temple. She also designed the items for sale at the store, which include both modern and traditional offerings made with local materials and textiles sourced from Southeast Asia. - Jackie Bryant Av. Revolución & Calle 8 Zona Centro, 22000, Tijuana, B.C. +52.664.638.4849, casaduhagon.com   Object While its main store is across town, Object just opened a pop-up shop in the lobby of OneBunk hotel. Proprietor and curator Veronica Hernandez hand-selects every piece that makes it into the boutique and features only Mexican designers - many of whom are from Baja. Think handcrafted leather goods, unique jewelry, one-of-a-kind clothing, home goods and even mezcal. - Jackie Bryant Coahuila 8206 Int. 207 Zona Centro, 22000, Tijuana, B.C.  +52.664.685.1595, object.mx   La Caja Galeria Gallerist Arturo Rodriguez's La Caja Galería, which opened in 2005, is still one of the premier spots to see the best in Baja and fine art from around Mexico. Featured artists include Mexicali-born Jaime Ruis Otis, who makes subtly political pieces from recycled factory waste. - Jackie Bryant Callejón de las Moras 118-B Col. 20 de Noviembre, Tijuana, B.C. +52.664.686.6791, lacajagaleria.com    CECUT At the center of Tijuana's cultural heart beats CECUT, a federally operated venue for theater, film, dance, music and art. The center's El Cubo gallery draws top artistic talent from Mexican and beyond and has featured pieces by Colombian painter Botero, Oaxacan painter Rodolfo Morales and Mexicali-born Alejandra Phelts. - Sandra Dibble Paseo de los Héroes 9350 Zona Urbana Río, 22010, Tijuana, B.C. +52.664.687.9600, cecut.gob.mx   Pasaje Rodríguez This covered passageway along Avenida Revolución, which once housed tourist shops, had long been vacant when artists began moving in several years ago, opening small galleries and painting bright murals on its walls. Today, this bohemian cultural corridor draws people with a range of offerings: a bookstore, a brewery, a vegan restaurant, a cafe and vendors selling everything from herbs to jewelry. - Sandra Dibble On Avenida Revolución between Tercera and Cuarta streets Zona Centro, 22000, Tijuana, B.C. facebook.com/pasajerodrigueztijuana   More... ¡Viva Tijuana! A soccer-fanatic wannabe's guide to the Xolos ¡Viva Tijuana! Interview with a Baja brewmaster ¡Viva Tijuana! What's new in brew from south of the border ¡Viva Tijuana! A trio of music acts worth a listen ¡Viva Tijuana! Celebrity chef Javier Plascencia turns up the heat ¡Viva Tijuana! Five things YouTube star Karla Celis can teach us about life