PALCCO

PALCCO, the Palacio de la Cultura y la Comunicación in Zapopan, is an arts complex in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. Its development is traced through a founding phase in 2010 and a project phase in 2013. Architect José Manuel Gómez Vázquez Aldana designed the complex, which occupies approximately 54,780 square metres. Two principal auditoriums provide a combined capacity of 2,363, while an open-air agora accommodates larger gatherings. The institution brings performance together with a museum, galleries and schools of music, dance and acting. These facilities support both public presentations and artistic training, giving PALCCO a continuing educational role alongside its concert and theatre programme. Zapopan, on the western edge of Guadalajara, is where the Palacio de la Cultura y los Congresos stands — a complex built to serve two audiences at once. Within it the Teatro José Pablo Moncayo, named for the composer of "Huapango", takes orchestral and staged work in a stalls-and-balcony house; the Sala Consuelo Velázquez, the Foro BAILMEX and several galleries handle the rest. An attached arts school teaches dance, music, acting and visual art, so the building generates performers as well as hosting them.