Become More Cultured by Visiting These 10 Museums in Mexico City
So Much History Packed Into One City
Mexico City is blessed with an abundance of incredible museums. In fact, with over 150, it boasts more museums than any other city in the world!
To tempt you further, most of them are either free of charge or a mere few pesos’ entrance fee. You could spend a month in this metropolis and still not get around to experiencing them all.
Here are a few of the best museums in Mexico City.
1. Museo Nacional de Antropologia
This world-class museum is the largest and most visited in Mexico. You will need to set aside a few hours to appreciate it fully. Visitors to the Museo Nacional de Antropologia are taken on a fascinating journey through the geographical regions of Mexico exploring Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan cultures.
Artifacts are beautifully displayed and the building itself is an impressive architectural feat. Even if anthropological museums are not usually your thing, you will not fail to be impressed.
2. Museo Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is the most iconic Mexican who ever lived, man or woman. Her images can be seen on everything in Mexico from t-shirts to placemats. The house where she and Diego Rivera lived, La Casa Azul, is open to the public as a museum. Located in the lovely suburb of Coyoacan, the Museo Frida Kahlo provides fascinating insight into the life of this multi-faceted artist.
Wandering through the vibrantly decorated rooms, it is easy to imagine not only the suffering that Frida endured from her illnesses, but also the raucous parties that would have taken place in the house. Much original art hangs on the walls and the most poignant room is Frida’s bedroom and the scene of her death.
Her wheelchair is on display, as well as her paints and easel. The garden is beautiful, full of lush tropical plants, the incredible blue house striking under the Mexican sun. A highlight of any trip to Mexico City.
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3. Museo de Arte Popular
Probably the most colorful museum in the world! Housed in a renovated art deco-style fire station, Museo de Arte Popular is a contemporary space on several levels. At the top of the building, there is a fabulous and flamboyant collection of piñatas hanging from the ceiling. Each exhibition room is a feast for the eyes with a plethora of Mexican folk art on display.
Many of the exhibits are Day of the Dead related — everything from skeletons on bicycles to ornately decorated skulls. It is fun, quirky and in your face. Kids will adore it and adults will love it just as much. An excellent gift shop offers a vast range of treasures, profits from which go directly back to the artisans.
4. Museo del Templo Mayor
Situated adjacent to Mexico City’s main square, the Zocalo, this combination of archaeological site and museum offers a compelling slice of Mexican history. The site was only uncovered in 1978 when an electrical company that was working in the street inadvertently uncovered a monolith of an ancient goddess!
Over the next few years, buildings were demolished and excavation work took place. Over 7,000 artifacts were discovered. Nowadays, you can stroll the boardwalks and peruse the site. The fact that it is in the middle of such a metropolis is difficult to comprehend.
The Museo del Templo Mayor itself is superb and offers an overview of Mexico City through the ages.
