5 Most Popular Mexican Museums

Mexico is a country with an incredibly rich culture and history, which is on full display in its many famous museums that draw tourists from all over the globe. From archeological sites to art museums, there's always an opportunity for enlightenment and education while you’re traveling. 

When you pack your bags, you don’t have to drive far away to visit some of the most popular museums. Don’t forget to contact one of the insurance companies for your coverage, if you're planning on visiting Mexico soon. Naturally, if you’re are simply curious about the most popular Mexican museums, read on!

Where are the museums in Mexico?

This is indeed a great question, as Mexican museums can be found all over the country. However, the most popular ones are found in Mexico City. In this list, we will present you with five of the most popular museums that anyone should visit during their stay in Mexico City.

What are the most popular museums in Mexico City?

1. Museo Soumaya

The Museo Soumaya is a private museum in Mexico City and the most important one for European art on the American continent. It opened to the public as recently as 1994 and was named after its founder’s late wife. The museum is located in Plaza Carso and it houses a large collection of religious art, mostly from the 16th century.

Among its most famous pieces are works by Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dalí, and many more. A few years ago this museum was number eight on the list of most visited museums in the world. If you ever find yourself near Plaza Carso, be sure to visit this museum.

2. National Museum of Anthropology

The Museo Nacional de Antropología is located near Chapultepec Park, in Mexico City. It was established in 1964 and is the oldest and largest anthropological museum in the Americas. The museum’s mission is to preserve and protect Mexican heritage through research, exhibitions, and education.

The museum contains an immense collection of archaeological objects from all over Mexico, ranging from the pre-Columbian era to the present day. It also has a large number of ethnographic objects on display. The museum is divided into four wings: 

  • the Pre-Hispanic wing, 
  • the Historic wing, 
  • the Contemporary Mexican wing, 
  • the International wing.

 

3. Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art)

The Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City contains one of the most important collections of modern art in Latin America. The museum has a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from the 19th century to the present day.

Some of the most famous artists that are represented in the museum’s collection are Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Frida Kahlo. The museum is also home to an extensive collection of Mexican art from the 20th century.

4. Museo del Templo Mayor (Great Temple Museum)

The Museo del Templo Mayor is a museum located in the historic center of Mexico City. It contains a large collection of archaeological objects from various periods in Mexican history, but it’s most famous for its Aztec artifacts and architecture.

The museum is located on top of an archeological site where the Templo Mayor was located before being destroyed by Spanish conquistadors in 1521. The museum was founded in 1978 and it has since become one of the most important archaeological museums in Mexico.

5. Museo Nacional de Historia (National Museum of History)

The Museo de la Historia is a museum located in the old presidential palace, also known as the “Castillo de Chapultepec”. It contains a large collection of objects related to the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920.

The museum was founded in 1944 and it has since become one of the most important museums in Mexico dedicated to all stages of Mexican history: pre-Hispanic, colonial, independence, and revolutionary periods. It contains a large collection of photographs, documents, weapons, and other objects from the revolution.

What is the biggest museum in Mexico?

The National Museum of Anthropology is considered the biggest, most visited, and comprises the widest collection of objects.  It is also the oldest museum in Mexico. Alternatively, Museo Soumaya located in Plaza Carso holds the widest collection of works by Mexican and international artists. Its visitor numbers come a close second to the National Museum of Anthropology. If you are looking for a specific theme such as Mexican Modernism, then head over to The Museum of Modern Art. 

Which of the world's seven wonders can be found in Mexico?

No, Mexico is not home to one of the seven world wonders. However, Teotihuacan, located just outside of Mexico City, is often referred to as one of the eight wonders of the world. It’s an ancient Mesoamerican city that was once one of the largest and most populous in the world. If you ever find yourself in Mexico City, be sure to visit Teotihuacan. In addition, here’s a list of six other archeological sites you shouldn’t miss: 

  • Chichen Itza 
  • Palenque 
  • Monte Alban 
  • Copan 
  • Tikal 
  • Uxmal

You can visit a bulk of these sites when traveling to Riviera del Maya, or elsewhere in Yucatan. Whether you’re planning a family visit to aquatic parks or embarking on a surfing adventure with your friends, enrich your experience by visiting the most popular Mexican museums and ancient ruins. 

Which insurance companies can help me with full coverage when traveling to Mexico? 

Of course, when you want to cross the US-MX border in a secure way and travel safely, you can count on reliable providers to provide you with comprehensive policy arrangements. This way, you’ll be able to drive through Mexico without worries. Oscar Padilla Mexican Insurance should be your first choice, as we’ve been guiding motorists for many decades, and have extensive experience with local companies, repair shops, and authorities. If anything goes wrong, we’re there to help.

Call us today if you want to learn more about our services, or purchase your policy online, without hassle!