Museum-rich, Mexico City boasts of having more than 150 museums showcasing art, history, science, literature, and even a chocolate museum for the sweet-toothed hound of information. Many are closed on Mondays, and some offer free entrance, while others have totally affordable admission prices. Meandering through museums provides the perfect respite from the streets of this chaotic, noisy city. Mexico City is a slice of nirvana for museum buffs.
Here’s the pick of the ones that caused mind-boggling moments that I recently dawdled through:
The National Museum of Anthropology
One of the most important cultural institutions in Latin America, it is known for its extensive collection of artifacts that depict Mexico’s rich and diverse indigenous heritage. Sitting in Chapultepec Park, the museum was opened in 1964 and has since become a symbol of national pride and a vital resource for understanding Mexico's pre-Columbian history. The building is an architectural marvel, designed by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez. It features a striking modernist design with a central plaza and a massive, imposing pyramid-like structure that reflects the cultural significance of the collections housed within—separate sections highlight the different indigenous civilizations (Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Zapotec, and Mixtec). If you opt not to take a day trip to one of Mexico's ancient sites, this is the next best way to experience an overview of its astounding cultural heritage. It has impressive indoor and outdoor displays, from monolithic sculptures to artifacts that take your breath away. An immersive experience where you will want to linger for at least a day (there’s a café onsite) or return the next day to soak up the dynamic atmosphere.
Museo Frida Kahlo
One of Mexico City’s iconic cultural landmarks, Museo Frida Kahlo, also known as the Blue House (La Casa Azul), is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs. You will find this vivid blue house, her birthplace (1907) and lifelong home, in the Coyoacán neighborhood, where there are several cafes around for an espresso if you have to wait to get in. It’s best to buy your tickets online before you leave home. From the heart of the city, it’s only a short Uber ride. While waiting, you will be entertained watching the passing parade of locals and tourists—even sitting in the gutter, if you get tired of leaning against the blue wall that appears in many Instagram pics. The residence was transformed from a family home into a museum in 1958, shortly after Kahlo died in 1954. Since then, it has become a pilgrimage site for fans of her art and life story, preserving her personal belongings, artworks, and memorabilia in an authentic setting. Some works may leave you scratching your head, while others will have you smiling in appreciation of her creative mind, which transformed personal pain into powerful art that defied the conventions of her time.
Museo Jumex
Snuggled into the heart of the city, this museum is a hub for artists and visitors, offering a diverse array of exhibitions that highlight the creativity and innovation of Mexico's artistic community, featuring both renowned Mexican artists and emerging talent across painting, digital art, sculpture, and installations. The building itself is a feat of ingenuity that hits you in the face upon arriving, especially with its traditional Mexican elements incorporated into its contemporary design. It’s a melting pot of visual arts from the past to the present, featuring rotating exhibitions by various artists. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, guided tours, and cultural events.
The Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL)
A stunning space and one of Mexico’s significant cultural institutions showcasing art from the 16th to the 20th Centuries, it sits in a beautiful neoclassical building on Paseo de la Reforma in the city. The building is an outstanding example of elegance and grandeur, featuring classical columns and intricate details, originally designed by the architect Silvio Contri in 1982. Spanning romantic, colonial, neoclassical, and modernist works, there are over 3,000 pieces to gawk at that will have your head spinning. From masterpieces by Mexican artists such as José María Velasco to the murals of Diego Rivera, it offers a comprehensive overview of Mexico's artistic evolution. It is a vibrant cultural venue that also hosts educational programs, cultural events, and temporary exhibitions.
The Museo Vivo del Muralismo (Living Museum of Muralism)
Housed in a former colonial convent and customs house designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this museum is worth visiting for the wondrous building and its stunning courtyard alone. Located in the Historic Centre of Mexico City, it showcases massive murals by iconic masters of the art world, including David Alfaro Siqueiros, Diego Rivera, and Roberto Montenegro, as well as contemporary artists. It’s a grand-scale visual feast that captures Mexico's history and culture. From cave paintings to modern works that are eye candy to the beholder, the museum displays themes such as indigenous culture, labor, and national identity. Admission is free, and guided tours are available if desired. Being located near the historical Zócalo square (Plaza de la Constitución), which was once the ceremonial heart of the Aztecs, makes it easy to combine a visit here with other historical sites in the city.
My advice, whether you are a history buff or not, even if you hate wandering around museums, is not to miss out on The National Museum of Anthropology.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
