Mexico City is one of the densest and most populous cities in the world. With so many people to cater to, it’s no surprise that the city has the second most museums in the world. The city’s deep history and culture encompasses such a large metropolitan area, it can be overwhelming to decide which museum(s) to visit in a limited time frame.
Luckily for you, we got the scoop on quite a few of them (seven of them). We got a diverse set of museums here based on the type, location in the city, and price range so there really isn’t an excuse you won’t be able to see at least one of them!
Let’s dive right in.
Museo Soumaya
Probably the epitome of Mexico City art museums, Museo Soumaya’s unique design and architecture is a spectacle in itself. With an art collection of over 66,000 housed over six floors, this museum which is located in the affluent Polanco district is a must-see during your stay here. Not to mention it’s free everyday, this museum is known for its Rodin Collection (6th floor), and its collection of pre-Hispanic and colonial era coins (largest in the world). Fun fact: Soumaya was the most visited art museum in Mexico in 2013 with an attendance of over 1 million.
Museo Frida Kahlo
Busy as usual
This building is the birthplace of Frida Kahlo, one of the most famous female Mexican artists to ever live. Known for its blue walls, the art museum, located in the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood of Coyoacàn, is dedicated to her life and work. Ticket prices range from $20-250 pesos, and it’s recommended that you purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid the long lines. Keep in mind there’s a small fee for taking photos.
Museo Tamayo
Situated in the northern part of Chapultepec Park, Museo Tamayo displays innovative international art exhibitions with its collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum is typically not too busy so buying tickets at the door shouldn’t be a problem for $60 pesos, or you can go on Sunday when admission is free. Their recently added restaurant, Restaurante Tamayo, is a superb modern Mexican dining experience, especially during breakfast and lunch. They are active on Instagram here.
Museo Jumex
Just down the block from Museo Soumaya, Museo Jumex is another art museum on the list to visit. It has the largest private collection of contemporary art in Mexico which is owned by Eugenio López Alonso. Because this museum is also free on Sundays, the 15,000 square ft space spread among four floors will be very crowded. Interestingly, you go in groups up a large elevator to the top floor, and then use the stairs to descend level by level. You cannot use the stairs to go up, and the elevator only operates by staff from floor one to floor three.
Museo Templo Mayor
Templo Mayor was the main temple for Mexican people in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is now in the historic district of Mexico City. While tickets cost $75 pesos, you can get a glimpse of some of the ruins for free without entering the exhibit. Just walk through Zócalo, which is southwest of the archaeological site, down the block between Justo Sierra and Seminario.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Located in Chapultepec, this is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico period. There’s usually a lot of visitors regardless of the day, but with about 80,000 m2 (860,000 ft2) you’ll always have breathing room. The museum is managed by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and contains significant anthropological and archaeological artifacts from Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage. It’s numerous exhibits surround a central courtyard with a large umbrella providing shade known as El Paraguas.
Papalote Museo de Niños
This museum is not cheap by Mexican standards. The standard entry ticket will cost you around $200 pesos, with additional options available which offer admission to a special IMAX theater or digital dome. Papalote, which means kite, is an interactive museum focused on teaching children science, technology, and art. All because it’s designed for children though, doesn’t mean it’s ONLY for children, even if most attendants you’ll see will be parents with their kids.
While this is a must-see if you have kid(s), you’ll definitely have a fun and engaging time while reigniting your childhood sense of wonder if you’re childless. Some example activities include a room for blowing huge bubbles, legos for days, robotics stations, arts & crafts centers, costume imagination area, and much more!
Serge in awe
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