Mexico has so much to offer tourists that you can never really get tired. While the beaches are often what draws vacationers to the country, visiting the capital also offers a lot more to explore.
Mexico City offers a more rounded experience than its beach-centric siblings. The capital has plenty of Museums to visit that are world-famous.
Even if you aren’t particularly interested in history or art, the museums in CDMX are totally worth exploring. I know I enjoyed finding out more about Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. It was a way for me to better immerse myself in the city’s culture and traditions.
Top 11 Mexico City Museums
If I’m not mistaken, there are upwards of 1400 museums in Mexico, about 170 of those are in CDMX alone.
I didn’t get the chance to visit each and every one, but I made it a point to explore the top museums in Mexico City during my stay in CDMX. The following are the ones I highly recommend:
Museo de Arte Popular
This list wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t start it with the museum that represents Mexican handcrafts and folk art.
Opened in March 2006, Museu de Arte Popular not only restores older works, it also exhibits new art pieces and promotes artists that create them. The museum shows a variety of pieces, including textiles, ceramics, and crafts. The pieces provide insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
I was particularly intrigued by the intricate alebrijes (colorful fantasy creatures) crafted by local artisans. They showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Mexican folk artists very clearly.
Museo Rufino Tamayo
If you love contemporary art, then it wouldn’t be fair to visit CDMX without stopping by the Rufino Tamayo collection. It’s a public museum, mostly showing pieces curated by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo and his wife Olga.
The museum has been open since the early 80s and has expanded significantly over the years; despite being run on donations.
My favorite piece in the collection I viewed was “Dos Personajes Atacados Por Perros”, by Tamayo himself. It shows a lot about how he viewed human emotions, and it looks like a cave painting.
MUAC (Museo Universitario Arte Contemporaneo)
A more recently opened exhibit showcasing contemporary art, MUAC offers a platform for cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions and installations.
The museum encourages dialogue and critical thinking about current artistic practices. I enjoyed the multimedia installation, where I explored the intersection of technology and society. There are about 300 artists’ works exhibited in this collection, so it was hard to choose a favorite!
Museo Nacional de Antropología (MNA)
While planning my trip to Mexico City, everyone I spoke to told me to see the National Museum of Anthropology.
As it’s the largest and most visited museum in the country, I had to take a look. After all, it’s considered a symbol of Mexican identity.
The extensive collection of artifacts in this museum took me on a journey through Mexico in pre-Columbian times. I learned a lot about the indigenous cultures of the region and the country’s rich heritage.
Museo Frida Kahlo. Casa Azul
I’ve always thought that the most famous museum in Mexico City is this biographical museum. It’s the home of infamous mid-century Mexican artist Frida Kahlo—open to the public since 1958.
As I took a tour of the iconic blue house, going through Frida Kahlo’s belongings took me a different time. Even if you aren’t particularly interested in art, this place is worth looking into because Frida shaped a lot of the culture that embodies Mexico City.
Munal. Museo Nacional de Arte
Munal, the National Art Museum, showcases Mexico’s artistic journey from the colonial era to modern times. Opened in 1982, its collection of over 3,000 artworks includes pieces by renowned Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.
One striking exhibit is Rivera’s mural “Man at the Crossroads,” reflecting his socio-political commentary. The museum’s diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and installations made it perfect for me to learn more about Mexican heritage.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
A cultural gem, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is not just an architectural marvel but also a hub for fine arts in Mexico City since 1934. The museum’s collection features works by prominent Mexican and international artists, displayed in stunning galleries.
The highlight for me was witnessing Diego Rivera’s murals, depicting Mexico’s history and struggles. The palace’s grandeur and artistic significance make it a captivating destination for art and history aficionados.
Museo Soumaya
Established in 2011, this museum stands out as a treasure trove of art spanning centuries and continents. Its diverse collection includes European masters like Rodin, Impressionist paintings, and contemporary Mexican art.
One captivating piece is Van Gogh’s “Portrait of the Artist Without Beard,” showcasing his iconic style. The museum’s modern architecture and impressive exhibits make it a cultural hotspot for art lovers seeking a global artistic experience.
Museo del Templo Mayor
I wanted to find out more about Mexico’s ancient roots, and there was no place better than Museo del Templo Mayor. It offers a glimpse into Aztec civilization and religious practices.
Located on the Templo Mayor site, it displays artifacts like sacrificial stones and sculptures, revealing the Aztec worldview.
The monumental stone serpent sculpture, symbolizing Quetzalcoatl, left me in awe of Mesoamerican artistry and mythology. Exploring this museum is like unraveling the mysteries of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage.
Museo Jumex
A contemporary art haven, Museo Jumex showcases innovative works by emerging and established artists. Opened in 2013, it features diverse exhibitions exploring modern artistic expressions and societal themes.
The interactive installations challenge conventional perceptions, such as the immersive digital artwork blurring reality and virtuality. For art enthusiasts seeking avant-garde experiences, Museo Jumex offers a dynamic journey into contemporary culture and creativity.
Dolores Olmedo Museum
This was one of the best museums in Mexico City to visit when the weather is pleasant. The beautiful gardens surrounding the museum are a great backdrop for the collection on exhibit.
The Dolores Olmedo Museum houses a remarkable collection of Mexican art. Notable works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo adorn its galleries, reflecting Mexico’s artistic legacy.
The museum’s serene ambiance complements its cultural richness, and I was absolutely captivated by Jose Guadalupe Posada’s “La Catrina” print. Exploring this museum was like stepping into Mexico’s vibrant artistic heritage, from traditional to avant-garde expressions.
Final Thoughts
Discovering Mexico City’s museum scene is a journey into the soul of art, history, and culture.
From the avant-garde expressions at Museo de Arte Moderno to the intriguing narratives at Museo del Objeto, each museum unveils stories that ignite curiosity and leave an indelible mark on every visitor’s heart and mind.