On our first full day in Valladolid, our group went over to see John Venator and enjoy a fantastic breakfast put on by John and his wonderful staff at Casa de los Venados.
Casa de los Venados (“House of the Deer”) is a stunning colonial mansion located just steps from Valladolid’s main square that houses the largest private collection of Mexican folk art in the country. With over 3,000 museum-quality pieces on display throughout a beautifully restored colonial home, this unique cultural treasure offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Mexican folk art in its intended context – a lived-in residence rather than sterile museum cases.
The owners, John and Dorianne Venator, are American art collectors who developed a passion for Mexican folk art over many decades. John, a retired executive from Chicago who served as president and CEO of an international trade association, and his wife Dorianne began their journey collecting Mexican folk art in the 1970s.
After initially owning a property in Cancun during its early development, the couple searched throughout the Yucatan Peninsula for a traditional colonial home that could house their growing collection. In 1990, they discovered this property in Valladolid – a neglected 18,000-square-foot colonial mansion that had been abandoned for nearly 40 years.
The restoration process was extensive, taking approximately 8.5 years to complete. The project was led by architect William Ramírez and his wife, who followed John’s vision to make it appear as though “Luis Barragán bought it and simply remodeled it” – referring to the famous Mexican architect known for his colorful modernist style.
Dorianne has since passed away. John has carried on their lives work with his normal vigor and attention to detail.
The Collection
The Venators’ collection includes over 3,000 pieces of museum-quality Mexican folk art acquired directly from artists throughout Mexico. The collection represents the largest private collection of Mexican folk art in the country and showcases work from nearly every Mexican state and artistic tradition.
Tours typically last 60-90 minutes, guided by knowledgeable volunteers who explain the significance of key pieces, the history of the home, and information about Mexican folk art traditions. Visitors may occasionally have the opportunity to meet the Venators themselves, who sometimes greet tour groups when they are in residence.
