Mexico City Museums

(Mexico City, Federal District, Mexico)



Exterior photo of central museum buildingThere are so many museums within Mexico City that even if you were lucky enough to stay here for an entire month, you would barely get the chance to scratch the surface. Many of the museums in Mexico City celebrate the lives of former residents and locals, such as both the Museo Franz Mayer and the Museo León Trotsky, while others are filled will interesting exhibits and hands-on displays, including the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum (Museo Ripley's Ciudad de México) and also the Children's Museum (Papalote Museo del Nino).

In total Mexico City in home to in excess of 100 different museums, each of which contains its own unique collections and themed exhibits. The main museums in Mexico City are described below, with a further list of additional museums at the bottom of the page.


Picture of the Museo Franz Mayer

Museo Franz Mayer (Franz Mayer Museum)

Address: Avenida Hidalgo 45, Mexico City, 06060, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 518 2266
Standing on the western side of the Plaza de Santa Veracruz, the Museo Franz Mayer contains an enormous collection of artefacts, all of which were once owned by the wealthy German Franz Mayer, who lived in Mexico City. Founded in 1986 and one of the most well-known museums in the whole of Latin America, the displays include traditional Mexican silverware, pottery, antique furnishings, various art works, books, watches and a number of interesting gadgets. The building itself was once a hospital and also features a public library within the upper cloister, with more than 10,000 different books available.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, free on Tuesdays

Museo León Trotsky (Leon Trotsky Museum)

Address: Avenida Rio Churubusco 410, Mexico City, 41000, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 658 8732
Dedicated to expelled Soviet Union leader Leon Trotsky, who moved to this country with his wife in the late 1930s, this interesting and poignant museum is actually where Trotsky once lived and also the spot where Trotsky was assassinated several years later. Leon Trotsky is buried within the surrounding gardens, marked by a small monument.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, concessions

View of the Museo Nacional de Antropologia

Museo Nacional de Antropologia (National Museum of Anthropology)

Address: Paseo de la Reforma and Gandhi, Mexico City, 11560, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 286 5195
Sited on the corner of the Paseo de la Reforma and Gandhi, the simply vast Museo Nacional de Antropologia is a particularly fine attraction and sited in part of the Bosque de Chapultepec. The complex was created in the 1960s and features a rectangular courtyard, which is surrounded by the display halls, where you can find exhibitions showcasing pre-Hispanic Mexico, various archaeological exhibits and information about past civilisations, including the famous Maya culture.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Museo Nacional de las Culturas (National Museums of Cultures)

Address: Moneda 13, Mexico City, 06060, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 512 7452
Located in central Mexico City, the Museo Nacional de las Culturas features a selection of costumes, handicrafts, jewellery, murals and various art works from different cultures around the world, which have connections with the country in some way. The building itself was once a part of the historic National Palace and dates back to the mid-16th century. A cafe is available onsite and serves basic refreshments and snacks.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Museo Ripley's Ciudad de México (Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum)

Address: Londres 4, Mexico City, 06700, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 546 7670
Very much a family orientated attraction in the Zona Rosa district of Mexico City, the extremely popular Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum is one of many around the world and first opened its doors in 1992. The museum itself resembles a traditional Medieval castle in appearance and was amongst the first of its kind to open in this continent, housing many weird and wonderful exhibits that are known to make people constantly gasp, laugh and stare in disbelief.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 19:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, concessions

Museo Tecnológico (Technological Museum)

Address: Bosque de Chapultepec Segunda Sección, Mexico City, 11000, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 516 0964
Mexico City's Museo Tecnológico is operated by the Federal Electricity Commission (Comisión Federal de Electricidad) and covers an array of different topics. Showing the city's technological advances over the years, museum exhibits include information about electricity, drilling for oil and transportation, with historic railcars and a number of historic vehicles. Those with an interest in the stars will enjoy a visit to the museum's planetarium and its regular shows about the solar system.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museo de Historia Natural (National History Museum)

Address: Segunda sección del Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City, 11800, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 515 6304
Featuring a series of coloured domes, the Museo de Historia Natural is one of Mexico City's two Natural History Museums and showcases the evolution of life on earth. Inside are a variety of well-preserved animals and other interesting exhibits relating to the planet, its structure and its many inhabitants.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, concessions, free on Tuesdays

Museo Nacional de Historia (National History Museum)

Address: Primera sección del Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City, 11580, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 5553 6224
The Museo Nacional de Historia has recently been completely renovated and houses a series of historical exhibits, which chronicle various aspects relating to colonial Nueva Espana. The museum itself is sited within the former military academy and was found in the 1940s. Children will always enjoy the confusion of the House of Mirrors, while adults will appreciate the seasonal events and concerts.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 16:15
Admission: charge



Museo de la Charreria picture (Charreria / Rodeo Museum)

Museo de la Charreria (Charreria Museum / Rodeo Museum)

Address: Isabel la Católica 108, Mexico City, 06010, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 709 4793
Celebrating the traditional Mexican cowboy / horseman, the Museo de la Charreriais is situated within downtown Mexican City and on the corner of the Izazaga. Inside you will discover many interesting exhibits, covering everything from cowboy dress to the culture and history of the charreria event, which is the country's version of an American rodeo, complete with various cattle skills. The museum itself is housed within the Capilla de Montserrat, which dates back to the 16th century and is also home to the National Charreria Federation.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Museo de Cera de la Ciudad de México (Mexico City Wax Museum)

Address: Londres 6, Mexico City, 06600, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 546 7670
The Mexico City Wax Museum always makes for a fun day out and contains many realistic and life-size characters from history, often with a link to Mexico itself. This is a large attraction and features a series of different exhibition halls and more than 150 wax creations in total, including many famous celebrities, politicians and mythical figures.
Open hours: daily - 11:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, concessions

Museo de la Medicina Mexicana (Museum of Mexican Medicine)

Address: República de Brasil 33, Mexico City, 06010, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 529 7542
Housed within the 18th-century Palacio de la Escuela de Medicina (Palace of the School of Medicine), the Museo de la Medicina Mexicana features a series of displays about medical treatments and advances over the years, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. Expect to see displays ranging from historic Mexican saunas (temazcal) used to cleanse spiritually, to antique furnishings from various periods. There is even an authentic reconstruction of a typical pharmacy from the 19th century.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Museo de la Ciudad de México (Museum of Mexico City)

Address: Avenida José Pino Suárez 30, Mexico City, 06600, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 592 3831
This centrally located museum chronicles the history and growth of Mexico City over the years. Located within a grand 18th-century palace, the Museo de la Ciudad de México boats historic maps, old photographs, paintings and an eclectic collection of local artefacts.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Papalote Museo del Nino (Kite Museum / Children's Museum)

Address: Avenida Constituyentes 268, Mexico City, 11560, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 237 1777
This is very much an interactive museum and as such, is especially popular with children. The Papalote Museo del Nino allows visitors to participate in a number of hands-on activities, such as making a radio show, dig for archaeological remains, and even lie on a real bed of nails. Various exhibits are displayed in groups and often have strong scientific themes. Notable highlights include a 3-D IMAX cinema theatre, modern simulators and a number of workshops.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Museo del Templo Mayor (Museum of the Greater Temple)

Address: Seminario 8, Mexico City, 06060, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 542 4943
Housing an array of important artefacts and relics found from the site of this temple, the Museo del Templo Mayor offers an insight into the past Aztec civilisation, based in this part of Mexico City. With information about their government, farming, trading, wars and even their sacrifices, the museum boasts large terracotta warrior statues, detailed models, various reconstructions and good views from the top floor, which overlooks the Coyolxauhqui stone (She of Bells on her Cheek). Audio tours are available in English.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, concessions, seniors and students free

Museo Universitario de Ciencias de la UNAM / Universum (University Science Museum)

Address: Insurgentes Sur 3000, Mexico City, 04360, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 622 7287
The Mexico City Museo Universitario de Ciencias is the university's very own science museum. Many interactive exhibits are housed within the museum itself, along with temporary displays showcasing various scientific studies, theories and facts. Also within the grounds are the UMAN botanical gardens and the vast Unidad Bibliográfica, which is part of the national Library.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Museo Antiguo Palacio del Arzobispado(Museum of the Palace of the Archbishopric)

Address: Moneda 4, Mexico City, 06010, Mexico, MX

Archivo General de la Nación (General Archives of Mexico)

Address: Avenida Albaniles Esquina Eduardo Molina, Mexico City, 15350, Mexico, MX

Historia del Cerro de la Estrella (Hill of the Star Historical Centre)

Address: Colonia Ampliación Iztapalapa, Mexico City, 09000, Mexico, MX

Minerales en México (Geological Museum)

Address: Jaime Torres Bodet 176, Colonia Santa Maria La Ribera, Mexico City, 06400, Mexico, MX

Murales de Diego Rivera en la Secretaria de Educación Pública (Secretary of Public Education)

Address: República de Argentina 28, Mexico City, 06010, Mexico, MX

Museo Anahuacalli (Museum of the House in the Valley)

Address: Calle Museo 150, Mexico City, 04620, Mexico, MX

Museo Antiguo Palacio de Iturbide (Iturbide Palace Museum)

Address: Madero 17, Mexico City, 06010, Mexico, MX

Museo Arqueológico Cuicuilco (Cuicuilco Archaeological Museum)

Address: Colonia Isidro Fabela, Mexico City, 14030, Mexico, MX

Museo Arqueológico de Azcapotzalco (Azcapotzalco Archaeological Museum)

Address: Libertad 35, Mexico City, 02070, Mexico, MX

Museo Arqueológico de Xochimilco (Xochimilco Archaeological Museum)

Address: Avenida Tenochtitlan 17, Mexico City, 16500, Mexico, MX

Museo Capilla Alfonsina (Museum of Alfonsina Chapel)

Address: Benjamin Hill 122, Mexico City, 06140, Mexico, MX

Museo Casa de Carranza

Address: Rio Lerma 35, Mexico City, 06500, Mexico, MX

Museo Casa de La Bola

Address: Parque Lira 136, Mexico City, 11870, Mexico, MX

Museo Casa del Poeta Ramón López Velarde (Museum of the Poet Ramón López Velarde)

Address: Álvaro Obregón 73, Mexico City, 06700, Mexico, MX

Museo Casa Luis Barragán

Address: General Francisco Ramirez 14, Mexico City, 11840, Mexico, MX

Museo Casa Ruth Lechuga

Address: Calle de Pachuca 8, Mexico City, 06140, Mexico, MX

Museo Comité Olimpico (Olympic Committee Museum)

Address: Avenida del Conscripto y Anillo Periférico, Mexico City, 11200, Mexico, MX

Museo de Cera de la Villa (Wax Museum)

Address: Calzada de los Misterios 880, Mexico City, 07050, Mexico, MX

Museo de Geologia de la UNAM

Address: Jaime Torres Bodet 176, Mexico City, 06400, Mexico, MX

Museo de la Alameda

Address: Balderas y Colón, Plaza de la Solidaridad, Mexico City, 06040, Mexico, MX

Museo de la Basilica de Guadalupe (Museum of the Basilica de Guadalupe)

Address: Plaza de las Américas 1, Tepeyac, Mexico City, 07050, Mexico, MX

Museo de la Caricatura (Caricatures Museum)

Address: Donceles 99, Mexico City, 06010, Mexico, MX

Museo de la Pluma (Writing / Feather Museum)

Address: Avenida Wilfrido Massieu, Mexico City, 07738, Mexico, MX

Museo de la Policia Preventiva de la Ciudad de México (Police Museum)

Address: Victoria 84, Mexico City, 06010, Mexico, MX

Museo de sitio de la Casa de la Música Mexicana (Mexican Music Museum)

Address: Francisco González Bocanegra 73, Mexico City, 06200, Mexico, MX

Museo de Sitio Tecpan de las Tres Culturas

Address: Eje Central y Ricardo Flores Magón, Mexico City, 06995, Mexico, MX

Museo del Automóvil (Automobile Museum)

Address: Avenida División del Norte 3572, Mexico City, 04620, Mexico, MX

Museo del Fuego Nuevo

Address: Carretera Escénica al Cerro de la Estrella, Iztapalapa, Mexico City, 09856, Mexico, MX

Museo del Zapato (Shoe Museum)

Address: Bolivar 27, Mexico City, 06060, Mexico, MX

Museo Estudio Diego Rivera

Address: Diego Rivera 2, Mexico City, 01090, Mexico, MX

Museo Hidráulico (Museum of Hydraulics and Water)

Address: Viaducto Piedad 507, Mexico City, 08300, Mexico, MX

Museo Interactivo del Medio Ambiente (Interactive Environment Museum)

Address: Manuel Lebrija y Rio Churubusco, Mexico City, 15690, Mexico, MX

Museo Legislativo (Legislative Museum)

Address: Avenida H Congreso de la Unión 66, Mexico City, 15960, Mexico, MX

Museo Nacional de Arquitectura (National Museum of Architecture)

Address: Cuarto Piso del Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City, 06050, Mexico, MX

Museo Nacional de la Estampa (Engraving / Stamp Museum)

Address: Avenida Hidalgo 39, Mexico City, 06040, Mexico, MX

Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones

Address: Calles General Anaya y Xicoténcatl, Mexico City, 04200, Mexico, MX

Museo Serfin (Serfin Museum)

Address: Madero 33, Mexico City, 01060, Mexico, MX

Museo Tecnológico de la CFE (Technological Museum of the CFE)

Address: Segunda Sección Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City, 11560, Mexico, MX