analogue cultural space
San Miguel de Allende • Mexico
About
At Studio Mirlo, books, art, music, and culture come alive in a contemporary space shaped by nature.
Our library, gallery, and café are surrounded by a garden retreat that celebrates the multisensual quality of life— a place for slow encounters. Here, time moves differently.
We invite you to learn more about our story, discover our community offerings, and explore our book & vinyl collection.
The Library
The book & vinyl collection of Merle Wachter forms the backbone and soul of Studio Mirlo. Merle dedicated his life to the visual arts and social sciences, through his pedagogical, curatorial, and artistic practices.
Our permanent, curated book collection reflects the mind of a Latin Americanist— moved by an instinct for drawing creative connections across different areas of knowledge.
Prominent genres include art history and artistic methods, architecture & interior design, photography, history and ancient civilizations, as well as Latin American culture & ethnography.
Together, these books form a living library where each of us may gravitate towards particular themes, and where sometimes, we encounter unexpected stories.
This Week at Studio Mirlo
Community Events
Our programming includes literary events, creative arts workshops, listening sessions, book presentations, and intimate cultural gatherings.
Many of these offerings take shape in collaboration with local artists, writers, musicians, and practitioners.
To receive updates and our monthly calendar, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Instagram.
The Gallery
Dedicated to showcasing the work of emerging and established artists, with rotating exhibitions, as well as opportunities for creative dialogue and interdisciplinary cultural exchanges.
Café Mirlo
A sunlit and welcoming dining experience with both indoor and open air seating, offering coffee, loose-leaf teas, light fares, baked goods and seasonal items.
The textures and sounds of vinyl records infuse the studio with a warm & creative atmosphere.
A beautiful setting to read, write, contemplate, and enjoy slow coversation.
Our menu is starting small, expect new dishes, seasonal offerings and more in the months ahead.
Host a Gathering at Studio Mirlo
Studio Mirlo welcomes thoughtfully conceived gatherings.
Book launches, artist talks, art exhibits, editorial meetings, creative & wellness workshops, intimate celebrations, and cultural conversations may find a home here.
Details are included in the link below.
Our Story
Studio Mirlo was designed by architect and landscape designer Timothy Wachter / LandArt.
A poetic interplay of modern and organic forms creates a feeling of home. The gardens surrounding the library, gallery, and café, bring together native species and rescued plants.
Diverse vegetation, resident birds, and water features, create a dream-like atmosphere, a sanctuary for the senses.
Plan Your Visit
Studio Mirlo opens on selected dates throughout the month for open houses, workshops, pop-ups, and special gatherings.
Studio Mirlo is 3.5 km from El Jardín, the historic centre of San Miguel de Allende, about a 10-15 minute car ride or 20 minutes by bicycle.
We are situated in San Miguel Viejo, ancestral territory of the Otomí peoples. Just beyond the bustle of town, Studio Mirlo is surrounded by the high-desert landscape. Across the road, an agave field is home to native species, donkeys, wild rabbits, eagles, and monarch butterflies.
Please use the Google Map link for directions rather than entering our street address manually.
Getting Here
Opening Hours
Stay tuned for upcoming dates and community programming // exhibits, readings, workshops, listening sessions, pop-ups, etc.
FAQ
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Art Openings
Creative Workshops
Writing Evenings
Poetry Readings
Book Club Gatherings
Literary Conversations
Storytelling Events
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In most cases, you don’t need a reservation— just drop by and enjoy your time with us.
If you’re planning a visit with a larger group of 6+ please let us know so we can better accommodate you.
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Thursday - Saturday 11:00 - 6:00
Upon arrival ring the doorbell so we can greet you.
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Visitors are welcome to browse and read books on-site. Books from our main library cannot leave the premises. That said, we have a selection of used books for sale.
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During the week, Studio Mirlo offers a table dedicated for laptop / computer work. On weekends, we kindly ask you to leave your laptop at home, so that everyone can enjoy the analogue atmosphere of the space.
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Yes. Our café offers a small, thoughtfully prepared menu of coffee, tea, baked goods, and simple seasonal fare.
Our menu changes from time to time, so please ask us about gluten-free and other dietary options when you visit.
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Most definitely! We have a dedicated library with a curated collection of picture books and YA chapter novels.
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Pets are not permitted at Studio Mirlo. Thank you for understanding.
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Studio Mirlo is set across indoor and outdoor spaces with staircases and some uneven surfaces. Unfortunately, this means that most areas are not wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us before your visit and we will be happy to let you know what to expect and assist where possible.
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Studio Mirlo is located in San Miguel Viejo, approximately 3.5 km from El Jardín. Off-street parking is available. We recommend using our Google Maps link for directions rather than entering the address manually.
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Yes. We welcome thoughtfully conceived gatherings that feel at home within the spirit of Mirlo, from book launches and artist talks to workshops and intimate celebrations. You can learn more and submit a proposal on our Venue Hire page.
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We enjoy hearing from artists, writers, musicians, publishers, and practitioners whose work might find a natural home at Mirlo. If you have a thoughtful proposal for a reading, conversation, workshop, listening session, or other collaboration, please get in touch through our Contact page.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help.
Interested in receiving news, updates, and community event announcements?
Sign up for Studio Mirlo’s Newsletter and follow us @studiomirlo.mx