There are two things that can make choosing which museums in Mexico City to visit quite difficult. For one, the crazy amount that exist! Get this: there are more than 150 museums in Mexico City (CDMX).
Then, there’s the size of Mexico‘s capital to consider. Not only is the city quite splayed out, but there are TONS of people. (Read: things are far and there is a lot of traffic! And yes–that is even outside of regular peak hours).
So, if you want to take advantage of your time here, you’ll be wise to choose museums within the same area. Luckily, quite a lot of them can be found close to each other so you can easily plan awesome itineraries without losing your mind.
And to make things even easier, I put together a list of some of the best museums to visit by area.
P.S. There is actually one more thing you should keep in mind while planning your days: A lot of the museums in Mexico City are closed on Mondays!
IN THE POLANCO AREA
The museums that follow are located in an area called Polanco and around the Bosque de Chapultepec. Because of the many attractions there, you can easily plan a whole day’s worth of activities.
Now, although it’s famous for its upscale shopping and fine-dining restaurants, it is also home to two weekly ‘tianguis’, or street markets (on Tuesdays and Saturdays). And the Bosque de Chapultepec? Well, that is a destination worth visiting in its own right.
Soumaya
The name Soumaya actually refers to two separate museums in Mexico City found in different locations. I’m focusing on the newest one in Plaza Carso.
Here, the building itself is part of the attraction. Architect Fernando Romero designed a beauty inside and out. To add to its appeal, the entrance is FREE, and it’s open everyday (10:30am-6:30pm).
Two tips for your visit:
- If you’re planning to go inside, take the elevator all the way to the top floor, then work your way down.
- Try to see the building in different lighting conditions. Visit close to sunset. After spending some time inside, you get to see it illuminated by the setting sun when you come out. The surface is very reflective so it looks very different depending on the light. (Compare the pic at the top of this post and the one here 👆🏽.)
Fun fact: It houses the largest Rodin collection outside of France.
Website: http://www.museosoumaya.org/
Museo Jumex
Right next door is Museo Jumex (open Tues-Sun 10am-7pm). There is a fun contrast between these two. Both are in the same plaza but have completely different architectural styles.
This distinct building created by architect David Chipperfield houses a large collection of contemporary art. But also a little extra treat: Eno cafe. This is Enrique Olvera’s casual cafe (chef responsible for Pujol), so you can expect his interesting and delicious approach to food, but at a more affordable price.
Website: https://www.fundacionjumex.org/en
Museo Nacional de Antropología
If I had to choose just one of the must-visit museums in Mexico City, Museo Nacional de Antropología would probably be the one. The architecture of the inner patio is gorgeous, but it is more than its aesthetics. It was created with a lot of intention and the details have incredible cultural relevance. Inside you’ll find even more gems.
The rooms are full of historical objects from various pre-hispanic cultures in Mexico, and the descriptions are very informative so you can nerd out!
Website: https://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/
Museo Tamayo
Like the first two museums listed, this one is right across from the Museo Nacional de Antropología. (I told you it can be easy planning a great itinerary with some of these.) And you must add the next one to this bundle–it’s just a stone’s throw away!
But back to the Museo Rufino Tamayo. This marvelous work of architecture houses a collection that includes pieces by its namesake. It also includes many other works of modern and contemporary art.
Website: https://www.museotamayo.org/
Museo Nacional de Historia Castillo de Chapultepec
It’s a castle. It’s a museum. It’s great views. Do you really need any more convincing?
Oh and almost forgot: It’s very instaworthy (you know, if that’s your thing 😉).
At Museo Nacional de Historia Castillo de Caphultepec you’ll find historical bits on the castle and its role in the history of Mexico.
You will also find murals of historical characters and scenes, preserved furnished rooms, beautiful stained glass windows casting colors on white and black tiles and lush gardens.
And to top it all off, a nice uphill climb to get your blood pumping.
Tip: go earlier on in the morning to avoid the crowds that come later, and the heat!
(opening hours Tues-Sun 9am-5pm)
Website: https://mnh.inah.gob.mx/
IN CDMX HISTORICAL CENTER
Museum Mural Diego Rivera
This one will be a very short visit. You see, there is but one mural housed in this museum. It is also the only one on this list whose architecture is nothing to write home about. So you might be thinking why include it? Well this piece is quite incredible. It is huge and has a very peculiar story. It is also really close the Fine Arts Palace so it is a nice quick little stop for your itinerary.
Super interesting too is that Rivera included a ton of historical figures and symbols. The museum has made a black and white representation to include an explanation for all of them so you don’t miss a thing!
Palacio Nacional
Though not really a museum, I wanted to include this place because it houses many murals by Diego Rivera. The pieces include 14 separate murals that, all together, depict the history of Mexico and cover all three large walls of the staircase. There are also murals of different scenes of pre-hispanic life on the walls of the second floor halls.
Tip: remember to bring a government ID, you will need to leave it at the entrance for security purposes.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Aside from being home to a renowned theatre and one of the most emblematic buildings in Mexico City (CDMX), this stunning palace houses both the National Museum of Architecture (MUNARQ) and its own Fine Arts Palace Museum.
After you’ve visited these, make sure you don’t miss the Tiffany glass curtains in the main theatre hall.
Tips for your visit:
- Check out a show for a full experience, or get in on a free guided tour at 1:00 pm or 1:30pm (only available in Spanish).*
- Visit the Torre Latinoamericana across the street for great panoramic views of the palace. Go up to the 9th floor to its coffee shop. You don’t need a ticket to come here, but you may have to wait a long time for balcony seats.
*always check with your accommodations, or call, in case this might have changed.
Banamex Culture Palace (Iturbide Palace)
I’ve said this so much, I hope you’ve gathered the subtheme of this article: the museums I’ve chosen are just as much a piece of art as the actual pieces they house.
This palace was originally built for an aristocratic family but many years later, and after passing through several owners, it was bought by the Banco Nacional de México and repurposed as a museum for pieces of their art collection.
An added bonus: entrance is free and open to the public Monday-Friday 10am-7pm.
Website: fomentoculturalbanamex.org
IN THE XOCHIMILCO AREA
Museo Dolores Olmedo
This museum is quite out of the way, south of the center of CDMX, . However, it is conveniently located very close to one of those attractions you will see on most top recommendations for the city: the canals of Xochimilco and its ‘chinampas’ (floating gardens).
That’s in case you need any more reason to visit, but I think the museum is well worth it on its own.
It houses quite a nice collection of paintings by Diego Rivera, a very large collection of Frida Kahlo*, and spaces for other exhibitions. The gardens surrounding the gallery are beautiful and inhabited by tons of peacocks (who are anything but shy).
*Before going blindly hoping to catch some Frida, make sure to check their site. Because of her huge popularity, this collection travels quite a lot!
Me diste unas ganas de ir a todos!!!
Me alegra mucho! Porque de verdad que todos valen la pena (:
Muy buen artículo , soy yani , la tía de Mica , me has traido el recuerdo de los jardines del castillo de chapultepec. Es y fue precioso!
Holaa!! Cierto no? El castillo fue una de mis paradas favoritas. Muchas gracias!
I love museums, they are such a source of knowledge! Thank you for your recommendations.
Yes so true! Some on this list especially since they’re heavy on the history (: I’m glad you enjoyed it! and thanks for stopping by!