30 Museums in Mexico City to Visit on Your Next Trip
When spending a few days in a city, we often tend to visit the museums most recommended by blogs and travel guides — the most prestigious ones that make you look like a true intellectual in front of your friends.
But the truth is, we all have different tastes: while some people delight in the works of great masters, others prefer to dive into the history of local pottery.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of 30 museums in Mexico City for every taste. The country’s capital is a true gem that blends culture, history, and art, with hundreds of museums that allow you to discover the city in depth.
Additionally, many of them offer free entry or very affordable tickets.
During my four trips to this destination I love so much, I’ve had the chance to explore many museums, and today I’m sharing them with you so you can choose the ones that interest you most!
This article contains affiliate links 🙂 They earn me a small commission on bookings, but no worries—there’s no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog, and enjoy the read!s, mais rassurez-vous, cela ne vous coûte absolument rien. Merci de soutenir mon blog et bonne lecture !
Plan Your Stay in Mexico City in Just a Few Seconds!
In a rush to plan your trip? This mini-guide has all the essentials you need!
WHERE TO SLEEP?
- Hotel Isabel (A charming hotel in the historic center)
- Casa Hidalgo (Perfect for families)
WHERE TO EAT?
- Santo Pozole (To taste pozole, a true local delicacy)
- Plantasia (For vegan dishes)
- Just outside almost any metro station (for tacos al pastor)
THINGS TO DO:
- Wander through the historic center
- Visit the Anthropology Museum
- Explore Coyoacán
TABLE OF CONTENTS
30 Museums in Mexico City for Every Taste
- National Museum of Anthropology
- Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
- Palace of Fine Arts Museum
- University Museum del Chopo
- Soumaya Museum
- Jumex Foundation
- Tamayo Museum
- Living Museum of Muralis
- Museum of Modern Art (MAM)
- National Art Museum
- Templo Mayor Museum
- Museum of Popular Art
- Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Studio House Mueum
- National History Museum (Chapultepec Castle)
- Tlatelolco Museum
- University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC)
- Diego Rivera Mural Museum
- Museum of Mexico City
- Photography Archives Museum
- Léon Trotsky House Museum
- Museum of Natural History
- El Estanquillo Museum
- Old Toy Museum
- Anahuacalli Museum
- Museum of the Revolution
- Franz Mayer Museum
- El Carmen Museum
- San Fernando Pantheon Museum
- Museum of Popular Cultures
- Wax Museum
1. National Museum of Anthropology
If I had to recommend just one museum to visit during your stay in this incredible city, it would be the National Museum of Anthropology. Absolutely not to be missed!
A visit to this place will allow you to learn more about pre-Hispanic civilizations through an impressive collection of artifacts representing Aztec, Maya, and Toltec cultures, among others.
The Cabezas Colosales olmecas (Olmec Colossal Heads) or the Piedra del Sol (Sun Stone) are some of the world-famous pieces you’ll have the chance to see in person.
An essential place to understand the country’s cultural roots, the museum is actually a massive building with a very large number of rooms.
The amount of information is overwhelming, so I recommend focusing only on a few rooms depending on the cultures that interest you most, to avoid ending up saturated.
To discover the essentials, it’s best to join a guided tour with a guide who will reveal the key insights.
If you visit the museum on your own, I suggest dedicating 3 to 4 hours to it.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? history and archaeology enthusiasts, and lovers of pre-Hispanic cultures.
📌 Where? Avenida Paseo de la Reforma
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💱 Price: 100 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13 and people with disabilities.
2. Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Everyone knows the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, her tormented life, and her unique works.
However, if you’re only in the city for a few days and aren’t particularly a fan of the painter, I’d suggest skipping this visit.
For everyone else, it’s an absolute must. Make sure to book your ticket in advance, as spots sell out quickly!
Located in Coyoacán, La Casa Azul preserves a large collection of Frida Kahlo’s personal belongings, artworks, and mementos, as well as those of her husband Diego Rivera. This is where she was born, lived, and eventually died.
As you walk through, you’ll discover her studio, her paintings, and her vibrant furniture, all of which reflect her life and artistic universe. Temporary exhibitions and documentaries enrich the experience.
At the end of the visit, the garden offers a lovely place to pause after immersing yourself in a museum that truly captures Frida’s unique personality.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Frida Kahlo fans.
📌 Where? Londres 247
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 320 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 6 and people with disabilities.
3. Palace of Fine Arts Museum
If, like me, you’re passionate about Mexican muralism, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a must on your itinerary.
As one of the country’s major art centers, it showcases murals by Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco. On Sundays, free guided tours reveal all the secrets behind these monumental works.
This visit is also the perfect excuse to step inside this magnificent building, a blend of Art Deco and Neoclassical styles!
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Lovers of mural art and architecture.
📌 Where? Avenida Juárez
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 95 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13, people with disabilities, and for everyone on Sundays.
4. University Museum del Chopo
Located in the Santa María La Ribera neighborhood, which I personally love, the Museo del Chopo is dedicated to contemporary and alternative art. Its program includes exhibitions, performances, concerts, and screenings.
The building’s original industrial architecture provides a unique setting for a young, curious audience interested in innovative art.
If you’re staying in the city for a while, I recommend joining one of its educational workshops to deepen your understanding of the works on display.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Anyone interested in experimental art.
📌 Where? Calle Doctor Enrique González Martínez 10
📆 Opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 40 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 12 and for everyone on Wednesdays.
READ NEXT: 60 Things to Do in Mexico City
5. Soumaya Museum
It’s the museum’s unique and futuristic architecture, with its shiny façade covered in aluminum hexagons, that captivates visitors at first glance.
Inside, the Soumaya Museum houses an extensive collection of European and Mexican art, including works by Rodin, Dalí, and Diego Rivera.
Visitors can admire paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects spread across several levels. The museum also hosts a wide range of temporary exhibitions.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Art lovers and fans of modern architecture.
📌 Where? Bulevar Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
📆 Opening hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: Free
6. Jumex Foundation
If contemporary art is your thing, the Jumex Museum is a must-add to your itinerary. Its permanent collection features works by both Mexican and international artists.
The museum also regularly hosts conferences, workshops, and cultural events.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Contemporary art lovers.
📌 Where? Bulevar Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
💱 Price: Free
7. Tamayo Museum
Founded by the Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, the museum showcases his own works as well as those of modern and contemporary Mexican and international artists. A must-visit if you admire the painter and sculptor.
Temporary exhibitions and educational programs are also offered throughout the year.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Modern and contemporary art enthusiasts.
📌 Where? Avenida Paseo de la Reforma 51
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 95 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 12 and for all visitors on Sundays.
8. Living Museum of Muralis
If, like me, you love mural paintings, I recommend stopping by this museum right in the historic center. It features original murals and documents about great muralists such as Diego Rivera and David Siqueiros.
Visitors can also explore the former offices of the Secretary of Public Education, follow the evolution of the muralist movement, and learn about its social impact.
It’s a lively museum that engages not only sight but also smell and hearing, while helping visitors understand the importance of muralism in Mexican culture.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Enthusiasts of muralism, socially engaged art, and historic buildings
📌 Where? República de Argentina 28
📆 Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: free
9. Museum of Modern Art (MAM)
Dedicated to 20th-century Mexican art, the Museum of Modern Art holds a rich collection of works by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, David Siqueiros, and other great masters.
Its temporary exhibitions also explore contemporary trends. Surrounded by a sculpture garden, it also offers an outdoor artistic experience. Conferences and workshops complete the visit for all audiences.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Lovers of modern art
📌 Where? Avenida Paseo de la Reforma
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
💱 Price: 80 Mexican pesos. Free for all on Sundays.
10. National Art Museum
The National Art Museum is housed in an iconic neoclassical building in the historic center of the city. It features works from the colonial period to the 20th century, including paintings, sculptures, and engravings. It also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
The interior architecture, with its painted ceilings and majestic staircase, is impressive and alone makes the visit worthwhile!
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Art lovers and fans of historic buildings
📌 Where? Tacuba 8
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 95 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13 and people with disabilities.
11. Templo Mayor Museum
Here’s another museum I loved visiting and highly recommend for diving into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history.
Located on the very site of the Templo Mayor, in the heart of ancient Tenochtitlán, it is dedicated to the history and archaeology of the Aztec civilization.
Visitors can admire ritual objects, sculptures, and architectural remains. The museum explains the central role of the temple in Aztec religious and political life. Models and illustrations help to better understand the site.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Enthusiasts of ancient history, Mexican culture, and Mesoamerican civilization
📌 Where? Seminario 8
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
💱 Price: 100 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13.
12. Museum of Popular Art
This is one of my favorite museums and is ideal to visit if you’re traveling with children. Here, Mexican craftsmanship and popular traditions are celebrated.
The museum displays textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and masks from all regions of the country. The collections highlight the creativity, diversity, and skills of Mexican artisans.
The building’s architecture and bright colors immerse visitors in the festive spirit of popular culture. In short, a unique place to appreciate Mexico’s living heritage.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Lovers of art and craftsmanship, and visitors interested in Mexican culture
📌 Where? Revillagigedo 11
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 60 Mexican pesos. Free for visitors under 18, people with disabilities, and all visitors on Sundays.
13. Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Studio House Mueum
I recommend this museum to fans of both artists. For everyone else, you can skip it.
Located in San Ángel, this house-studio is a testament to the creative genius of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.
Designed by the architect Juan O’Gorman, it stands out for its functional style and bright colors. The two studios, separate but connected, reflect each artist’s unique personality.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Fans of both artists.
📌 Where? Diego Rivera
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
💱 Price: 45 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13 and all visitors on Sundays.
14. National History Museum (Chapultepec Castle)
This museum, located in Chapultepec Castle, is an absolute must for me!
It traces the history of Mexico from the Spanish conquest to the 19th century. The rooms display paintings, uniforms, weapons, and period objects.
The castle itself is a historical gem. Temporary exhibitions further enrich the permanent collection. As a cherry on top, the gardens offer spectacular views of the capital!
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? History and architecture enthusiasts
📌 Where? Bosque de Chapultepec
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
💱 Price: 100 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13 and people with disabilities.
15. Tlatelolco Museum
Another museum mostly visited by locals, it traces the history of this neighborhood from the pre-Hispanic period to modern times.
It displays archaeological objects, models, and historical documents. The museum also addresses the tragic events of the 1968 massacre. It is a true place of memory and reflection on Mexico City’s history.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Enthusiasts of ancient and modern history.
📌 Where? Av. Ricardo Flores Magón 1
📆 Opening hours: Wednesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 40 Mexican pesos.
16. University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC)
If you decide to visit UNAM, why not stop by the MUAC, which is dedicated to Mexican and international contemporary art?
Its permanent collection includes works by emblematic artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Temporary exhibitions, performances, and conferences enrich the program.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Lovers of contemporary art and artistic experimentation.
📌 Where? Avenida Insurgentes Sur 3000
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 60 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 12, people with disabilities, and all visitors on Thursdays from 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
READ NEXT: The Best Hotels in Mexico City
17. Diego Rivera Mural Museum
I really love Diego Rivera’s works, so this museum is a must for me, especially since it can be visited very quickly!
Located in the historic center, it houses the famous mural Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda. It also features Rivera’s preparatory sketches and documents. Temporary exhibitions and educational workshops complete the visit.
Plan about ten minutes to admire the main work and 30–40 minutes to explore the entire museum at your own pace.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? Lovers of mural art and historical frescoes.
📌 Where? Calle Colón Balderas
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
💱 Price: 45 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13, visitors over 60, and all visitors on Sundays.
18. Museum of Mexico City
If, like me, the Mexican capital fascinates you, why not learn more by visiting this museum located in the historic center, which tells the story of Mexico City’s evolution through the centuries.
It features objects, paintings, and models illustrating urban, social, and political life. The exhibitions cover the colonial period, independence, and the 20th century.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those who want to learn more about Mexico City’s urban and social history.
📌 Where? José María Pino Suárez 30
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💱 Price: 38 Mexican pesos
19. Photography Archives Museum
For all photography enthusiasts who want to discover the city through old and contemporary photographs, the Photography Archive Museum, located in the historic center, is a must-visit.
It documents the evolution of the city and the lives of its inhabitants. Temporary exhibitions explore social, historical, and artistic themes. Screenings and workshops complete the experience.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for photography enthusiasts.
📌 Where? República de Guatemala 34
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💱 Price: free
20. Léon Trotsky House Museum
For all history enthusiasts, the Leon Trotsky Museum is a must-visit as it preserves the story of Trotsky’s exile and assassination.
The museum displays personal belongings, documents, and photographs from his life in Mexico. Visitors can explore his office, bedroom, and daily living spaces. Temporary exhibitions provide a deeper understanding of his historical role.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those passionate about political and international history.
📌 Where? Avenida Río Churubusco 410
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💱 Price: 50 Mexican pesos for nationals and 70 Mexican pesos for foreigners.
READ NEXT: What to Do in Coyoacán?
21. Museum of Natural History
If science interests you more, the Natural History Museum is a must-add to your itinerary. It presents biodiversity and the evolution of the living world through its rooms, which feature fossils, minerals, taxidermy animals, and interactive dioramas.
The exhibitions help visitors understand ecosystems, geology, and human evolution. Additionally, educational workshops and activities for children are regularly offered. Perfect for a family visit!
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those curious about nature and science.
📌 Where? Av. de los Compositores
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday
💱 Price: 38 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 3 and people with disabilities.
22. El Estanquillo Museum
The Estanquillo Museum, founded by the writer Carlos Monsiváis, is an original museum that houses an eclectic collection of popular art and historical objects.
Visitors can find photographs, posters, figurines, and comic books that tell the cultural history of the country. It offers a glimpse into unusual and often humorous aspects of Mexican society.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those who love popular culture and unusual objects.
📌 Where? Isabel la Católica 26
📆 Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💱 Price: free
23. Old Toy Museum
This is one of my favorite museums! It preserves thousands of vintage toys from Mexico and beyond: dolls, miniature trains, cars, figurines… the list goes on! There’s even a collection of pin-up photos and images on the top floor that you may want to skip if you’re visiting with children.
The building itself is really worth visiting, with its many graffiti artworks and a rooftop that offers a view of the neighborhood from above!
Plan about 2 hours to explore the entire museum, especially if you want to take photos of all these very unusual items.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for families and toy enthusiasts
📌 Where? Dr. Olvera 15
📆 Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
💱 Price: 50 Mexican pesos
24. Anahuacalli Museum
Built by the artist Diego Rivera using volcanic stone blocks, the Anahuacalli Museum is a unique building inspired by pre-Hispanic temples.
It houses more than 2,000 pieces from Rivera’s pre-Columbian collection, displayed in rooms that reflect the architecture of ancient Mexican civilizations. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art complement the visit.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those passionate about pre-Hispanic art and unique architecture
📌 Where? Museo 150
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💱 Price: 80 Mexican pesos
25. Museum of the Revolution
Housed in the former presidential residence of Mexico, one of the most impressive buildings in the city, the Museum of the Revolution traces the Mexican Revolution of 1910.
It displays weapons, uniforms, photographs, and historical documents. The rooms tell the story of the battles, revolutionary leaders, and social changes.
You can also go up to the roof to enjoy the view.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those interested in political and social history
📌 Where? Plaza, De La República
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💱 Price: 34 Mexican pesos
26. Franz Mayer Museum
The Franz Mayer Museum is little known to tourists and specializes in decorative and applied arts.
It features collections of ceramics, textiles, furniture, and jewelry from Mexico and around the world. The exhibitions showcase the evolution of craftsmanship and design through the centuries.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those passionate about decorative arts and craftsmanship.
📌 Where? Av. Hidalgo 45
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💱 Price: 120 Mexican pesos
27. El Carmen Museum
For travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, the del Carmen Museum, located in the former Carmen convent, is a true gem.
It features paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects from the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum tells the story of the Carmelite religious order and their influence on the city.
What surprises visitors the most are the 12 mummified bodies that were accidentally discovered by Zapatista soldiers during the Mexican Revolution and are now displayed in the crypt.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those interested in religious and colonial history.
📌 Where? Av. Revolución 4 y 6
📆 Opening hours: Wednesday–Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
💱 Price: 80 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13, people with disabilities, and all visitors on Sundays.
28. San Fernando Pantheon Museum
I continue with an unusual museum, especially popular with locals, the San Fernando Pantheon Museum, located in the famous cemetery of the same name, where many Mexican personalities are buried.
Visitors can discover mausoleums, sculptures, and historical inscriptions. Guided tours are organized to tell the stories of the people buried there and the evolution of the city’s funerary practices.
A unique and unusual space that offers a dive into Mexico City’s historical memory.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for those curious about history and heritage.
📌 Where? Plaza San Fernando 17
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💱 Price: free
29. Museum of Popular Cultures
The Museum of Popular Cultures allows you to learn more about the cultural and artistic diversity of Mexico. It features textiles, ceramics, masks, and handcrafted objects from different regions.
A colorful space where the exhibitions highlight the skills, popular traditions, richness, and creativity of Mexican communities.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for anyone interested in handicrafts, traditions, and regional Mexican cultures.
📌 Where? Av. Hidalgo 289
📆 Opening hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💱 Price: 20.50 Mexican pesos. Free for children under 13 and for all visitors on Sundays.
30. Wax Museum
Housed in an elegant early 20th-century mansion, the Mexico Wax Museum offers an unusual encounter with over 200 wax figures.
You’ll come across Mexican historical figures, international stars, superheroes, and even pop culture icons.
👩🏽👦🏽 Who for? for families, the curious, and fans of unique selfies
📌 Where? Londres 6
📆 Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
💱 Price: 195 Mexican pesos
Bonus: 4 Art Galleries to Check Out
The city is also a paradise for art lovers, as it’s full of art galleries, especially in the neighborhoods of Roma and San Miguel de Chapultepec. Here’s my small selection:
- Casa Basalta (Roma Norte): a contemporary gallery dedicated to modern and emerging art
- Casa Lamm (Roma Norte): a cultural center and gallery combining art, literature, and conferences
- Casa Estudio Luis Barragán (San Miguel de Chapultepec): the house and studio of the famous architect
- Kurimanzutto (San Miguel de Chapultepec): a renowned international gallery for contemporary art
What else to do in Mexico City?
If I keep coming back to Mexico City so often, it’s because it’s a place that truly has so much to offer. Whether you’re into nature, history, or food, there’s always something exciting to do in this destination!
To help you explore it better, here are some of my articles:
I hope this list of 30 museums in Mexico City has given you more ideas of incredible places to discover beyond the usual list that so many blogs repeat. If you have any questions, leave me a comment!
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