Matamoros is a thriving city, meeting the challenge of being a border city with a demand for a strong tourism infrastructure, satisfying the needs of foreigners and locals who are part of the economic boom brought on by the development of trade in the region.
Many factors have made this a prosperous and peaceful city: its history, culture and modernity, a fact that can clearly be seen in its efficient urban planning and the preservation of architectural treasures from the 19th century. A lot of these buildings house important museums, auditoriums and schools. In recent years, many new buildings have been erected and designed, featuring state of the art technology, to promote the idea of cultural exchange among all who visit, locals and tourists alike.
Casa Cross
This beautiful mansion with a distinct French colonial influence is considered a landmark by the local population for its unique design. The materials used to build it in 1885, were brought to Mexico from New Orleans. Its original owner was a retailer by the name of Meliton Cross, who had it built and subsequently had it lavishly furnished. Now the house has been restored, preserving its original design and layout and is open to the public for visits.
Nuestra Senora del Refugio Cathedral
Built in 1833, this cathedral has experienced several renovations due to natural disasters. In 1844 its towers were torn down by a strong hurricane which hit the city. Then again, in 1933, the towers were devastated by another hurricane and finally, the last renovation took place between 1982 and 1987. The cathedral houses a fine replica of Michelangelo's Pieta, a sculpture which represents the biblical passage where Mary embraces the lifeless body of Jesus as it is taken down from his crucifixion.
Museum of Mexican Agrarianism
This museum was erected right on the same spot where the first equal distribution of land took place after the Revolution. It was significant because the hacienda owner (the president's nephew) had to render his land to the 11 peasants whom he had exploited for years. The museum is one of a kind in the country, with modern museum display cases and comprehensive descriptions, a collection of garden tools from past centuries, as well as different weapons of significance from different points in the history of Mexico.
Contemporary Art Museum of Tamaulipas
This museum was created to function as a center for the distribution, production, consumption and analysis of all visual arts in the state. First opened to the public in Matamoros in 2002, the museum exhibits domestic as well as international works of art and features permanent as well as temporary exhibits, conferences and plays in their open-air theater.
The Olympic Park Culture and Knowledge
Built in 2004 over what used to be an estuary of the Rio Grande, this park is one of the major cultural platforms not only in Matamoros but in the whole of the state of Tamaulipas. Permanently on display is an immense structure named ''The Great Door to Mexico'', created by the world famous sculptor Sebastian, depicting the importance of this city as a means of access to our country.
Also located in the park is a modern open-air auditorium with a capacity of up to 2000 people and a state of the art internet library with a play area for children from ages 5 to 9, a computer lab with internet access, a children's library with about 1000 books, as well as another for juniors and adults with over 4000 books. They also hold concerts, plays, workshops and international film festivals.
Bagdad Beach
Matamoros is sandwiched between the US border and the Gulf Coast and Bagdad Beach is located exactly 30 minutes from the center of Matamoros. It's great for family outings on the beach. There are several inexpensive restaurants where you can enjoy delicious deep fried fish and seafood cocktails.
Plaza Hidalgo
Plaza Hidalgo is right in the heart of Matamoros featuring original architecture from the 1800's in a place that used to be an Armory. Later, other buildings were built in the proximity and the Armory became the Constitution Plaza. Now, it's called Plaza Hidalgo, after Father Miguel Hidalgo, the country's founding father.
Reforma Theater
Reforma Theater was built in 1861 in the style of the French Opera House of Paris. In their lavish facilities, they hold over 200 events yearly, from plays, festivals and concerts to contests and learning disability workshops.