35+ Museums in Mexico City You Shouldn’t Miss (Including the Hidden Gems)
Want to see Mexico Art and history at CDMX museums?
You’re in the right place to discover the best museums in Mexico City. How do I know? I live in Mexico and visit Mexico City a few times each year.
As a bonafide a museumphile, I’m always looking for new CDMX museums.
🎨 Want to go beyond the most popular museums in Mexico City? Join this Explore the City’s Secret Museums Tour with Karla, a local museum curator.
Whether you’re interested in great art museums in Mexico City, like the Frida Kahlo Museum, or the world-class Anthropology Museum Mexico City has — it’s all here!
This list of museums also highlights off the beaten path Mexico City museums, like the Anahuacalli Diego Rivera Museum Mexico City (a personal favorite).
After the list, look over the CDMX Museums FAQ for answers to common questions like How many Mexico City museums are there?
Top 10 Museums in Mexico City
Wondering about the must see museums in Mexico City? With about 150 museums in Mexico City, figuring out which to see can be intimidating!
This section will show you the 10 top museums Mexico City has, so you don’t miss any of the most visited museums in Mexico City on your trip.
1. Frida Kahlo Museum Mexico City (Casa Azul)
Located in the colorful Coyoacan neighborhood, the Casa Azul (Blue House) is a Mexico City must see for most visitors. It is considered the best art museum in Mexico City for fans of Frida.
Book this Frida VIP Skip the Line + Bikes & Churros for an in-depth look at Frida the artist, and a bike tour around Coyoacan, the CDMX neighborhood she called home. This historic part of Mexico City is famed for its churros, which you’ll sample on the tour.
Once the home to Frida Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera — two of the most famous Mexican painters — the Blue House offers a glimpse into both Frida’s art and her life.
- 🎫 Frida Museum Tip: If you’re not going with this highly-rated Frida Museum Tour, make sure to buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting in the long line!
- 📍 Frida Kahlo Museum Address: Londres #247, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04100 (Map)
- ⏰ Frida Kahlo Museum Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-5pm
- 💵 Frida Kahlo Museum Admission: $250-270 pesos ($13-14 USD); weekdays are $250 pesos, weekends are $270 pesos.
Best Museums in Mexico City
2. National Museum of Anthropology Mexico City
The Museo Nacional de Antropologia is massive — spanning 23 exhibition halls and 3,225 years of history.
🗿 If you’re deeply fascinated by Mexico history, book the Mexico Unearthed at Anthropology Museum Tour. It is led by Guadalupe, an anthropologist and archeologist who has more than 25 years of experience in Mexican history.
It goes room by room through various civilizations that have inhabited Mexico over the centuries, including the Olmecs, Toltecs and Aztecs.
Mexico City Museums Fun Fact: The mysterious Olmec civilization is the oldest known civilization on the Americas Continent, in existence from about 1500 BC-400 BC.
They offer one-hour English tours, though it barely scratches the surface at the Mexico City Anthropology Museum.
On the tour, you will basically just see the highlights: Piedra del Sol (Aztec calendar or Aztec sunstone), Olmec head sculpture, and replica of Moctezuma’s headdress.
- 📍 Mexico City Anthropology Museum Address: Avenida Paseo de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec I Sección, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11560 (Map)
- ⏰ Mexico City Anthropology Museum Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm
- 💵 Mexico City Anthropology Museum Admission: $85 pesos ($4.50 USD)
Best Museums in Mexico City
3. Teotihuacan Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Besides the ruins and three Teotihuacan pyramids (Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent), there’s also the Teotihuacan Museum & Sculpture Gardens to explore.
Included with Teotihuacan admission, you can visit the Teotihuacan Museum (Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana), where you’ll find artifacts uncovered at site excavations.
At the Teotihuacan Sculpture Garden (Jardín Escultórico), walk among large, ancient, stone sculptures.
The museum, gardens and ruins are one of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.
Tips for Visiting Teotihuacan: Most Mexico City museums are closed Monday, but the Teotihuacan Ruins and Museum are open Mondays!
In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Mexico City on Mondays.
- 📍 Teotihuacan Ruins Address: Autopista Ecatepec #22, 600 km, San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, Mexico 55850 (Map)
- ⏰ Teotihuacan Ruins Hours: Open daily, 9am-4:30pm
- 💵 Teotihuacan Ruins Admission: $80 pesos ($4 USD)
Best Museums in Mexico City
4. Chapultepec Castle & National History Museum
🏰 castillo Chapultepec Castle
Located in Chapultepec Park, the Castillo de Chapultepec is North America’s only true castle, as it’s the only castle royalty once lived in.
The former home to Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota is now a museum, and one of the best things to do in Mexico City.
🇲🇽 Chapultepec National History Museum
Much of the inside of Chapultepec Castillo is actually a museum — the National History Museum.
🗺️ Looking for other Mexico City history museums? Don’t miss the Museo Nacional de la Cartografía, or Mexico City Map Museum.
As the name states, the Museo Nacional de Historia chronicles Mexico City and Mexican history through exhibits and Mexico’s arts from the Colonial Period (1521-1821).
- 📍 Chapultepec Castle Address: Bosque de Chapultepec I Sección, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11100 (Map)
- ⏰ Chapultepec Castle Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-5pm
- 💵 Chapultepec Castle Admission: $80 pesos ($4.50 USD). Admission is FREE on Sundays, but arrive early because it gets very crowded!
🤔 what is Chapultepec Park?
Bosque de Chapultepec is one of the most-visited urban parks on the planet, with about 15 million annual visitors.
At 1,700 acres (7 km²), Chapultepec Park is bigger than Central Park in New York City, and boasts nine museums, two lakes, several restaurants, the Chapultepec Zoo and more.
The best way to cover a lot of ground in Chapultepec Park is by bike. Let Alberto, a Mexico city cyclist and runner, show you all the highlights in this huge park on this Discover Chapultepec on Bicycle Tour.
🤔 What are the Best MUSEUMS in Chapultepec Park?
You have to be selective with your time when visiting Chapultepec Park, as it’s impossible to see everything. Among the must see Chapultepec sites are its museums:
- Mexico City Anthropology Museum
- Tamayo Museum Mexico City
- Papalote Children’s Museum
- Modern Art Museum Mexico City
Best Museums in Mexico City
5. Museo Soumaya Museum
Located in Plaza Carso in the posh Polanco neighborhood, the beautiful Museo Soumaya Mexico City building is a work of art in itself!
Inside, you’ll find the private art collection of Mexico’s wealthiest man, Carlos Slim, who named the museum after his late wife, Soumaya.
👀 Looking for FREE Mexico City museums? Entry to the Soumaya Museum is free, and it’s open seven days a week.
Much of the Soumaya Museum Mexico City collection is international Classical Art, but don’t miss the large mosaic by Mexican artist Diego Rivera.
Head to the Sculpture Room on the top floor of the museum to see the largest collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures outside France.
- 📍 Soumaya Museum Address: Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11529 (Map)
- ⏰ Soumaya Museum Hours: Open daily, 10:30am-5pm
- 💵 Soumaya Museum Admission: FREE!
Best Museums in Mexico City
6. Museum of Popular Art (Folk Art Museum)
The Museo de Arte Popular (AKA Mexico City Folk Art Museum), houses a sweeping collection of Mexican folk art from different regions of the country.
After some time here, you’ll learn more about both the art of Mexico and its indigenous groups through their colorful works of art.
- 📍 Mexico City Popular Art Museum Address: Revillagigedo #11, Colonia Centro, Cuauhtémoc, México City 06050 (Map)
- ⏰ Mexico City Popular Art Museum Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm
- 💵 Mexico City Popular Art Museum Admission: $60 pesos ($3.50 USD)
Best Museums in Mexico City
6. MUAC Museum of Contemporary Art
Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC) is one of the best contemporary art museums in Mexico City, and located on the beautiful UNAM Campus.
One of the Mexico City UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the buildings and murals on the UNAM campus are also worth seeing.
- 📍 MUAC Contemporary Art Museum Address: Avenida Insurgentes Sur #3000, C.U., Coyoacán, Mexico City (Map)
- ⏰ MUAC Contemporary Art Museum Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-6pm
- 💵 MUAC Contemporary Art Museum Admission: $40 pesos ($2 USD)
Best Museums in Mexico City
7. Dolores Olmedo Museum
Once home to the late Mexican businesswoman, Dolores Olmedo, her estate has been converted into a museum. It features the largest collection of Frida Kahlo paintings in Mexico City.
That’s right — the Museo Dolores Olmedo even has more Frida paintings than the Frida Kahlo Museum.
The beautiful grounds of Hacienda la Noria, where the Olmedo Museum is located, are home to many animals that roam freely.
While there, look for the peacocks and xoloitzcuintles, Mexico’s beautiful hairless and barkless dogs, called xolos (pronounced show-lows) for short.
- 📍 Dolores Olmedo Museum Address: Avenida Mexico 5843, La Noria, Xochimilco, Mexico City 16030 (Map)
- ⏰ Dolores Olmedo Museum Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm
- 💵 Dolores Olmedo Museum Admission: $55 pesos ($3 USD)
- ⚠️ Update: The Olmedo Museum is temporarily closed, as the collection is being relocated to it’s new home in Chapultepec Park.
Best Museums in Mexico City
8. Mexico City Museum of Modern Art
The Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art CDMX) features contemporary art by international and Mexican artists.
The big names from the permanent collection include Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Rufino Tamayo — who’s Rufino Tamayo Museum is located nearby.
🌳 Mexico City Museum of Modern Art Sculpture Park
While visiting, save some time to take a leisurely stroll through the Sculpture Garden outside. It has a nice collection of Fernando Botero sculptures (as seen in the photo above), and more.
Located in Chapultepec Park, you could easily spend a whole day in the park, museum-hopping and enjoying some time outdoors at the largest and best park in Mexico City.
- 📍 Mexico City Modern Art Museum Address: Avenida Paseo de la Reforma s/n, Bosque de Chapultepec I Sección, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City 11100 (Map)
- ⏰ Mexico City Modern Art Museum Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-5pm
- 💵 Mexico City Modern Art Museum Admission: $70 pesos ($3.50 USD)
Best Museums in Mexico City
9. Museo Templo Mayor Museum
The entire Downtown Mexico City Centro Historico (Historic City Center) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and places like the Templo Mayor and Museo del Templo Mayor justify such a prestigious designation.
It is one of the most fascinating sites in Mexico City.
Centuries ago, the Templo Mayor (Main Aztec Temple) served as the central location of the entire Aztec Empire. After the Spanish Conquest, the temple was buried beneath what’s now the Mexico City Zocalo (town square).
The first efforts to excavate the templo began in the 19th Century, and continued through the 1980s.
Today, you can stroll the remnants of the temple and see some of its most historic archeological treasures, now displayed in the onsite Templo Mayor Museum.
- 📍 Templo Mayor Address: Seminario 8, Centro Histórico, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06060 (Map)
- ⏰ Templo Mayor Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
- 💵 Templo Mayor Admission: $75 pesos ($3.50 USD)
Best Museums in Mexico City
10. Palacio Bellas Artes Museum
If you’ve seen an image of Mexico City, it was likely of the beautiful, art nouveau Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) building in Centro Historico.
This golden-domed, classical European building is a work of art in itself, but go inside to see the gorgeous Art Deco interior and museum in Bellas Artes.
Opened in 1934, the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes is said to be the first art museum in Mexico City — and still one of the best, especially to see murals.
- 📍 Palacio Bellas Artes Address: Avenida Juárez s/n, Centro Histórico, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City (Map)
- ⏰ Palacio Bellas Artes Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm
- 💵 Palacio Bellas Artes Museum Admission: $80 pesos ($4 USD)
🤔 What are the Best Things to do near Bellas Artes?
Want to see a few things near Ballas Artes while you’re there? This area of Centro Historico CDMX has some of the best Mexico City things to do and see, so here are three suggestions for you:
1. Benito Juarez Hemicycle
The beautiful Hemiciclo a Benito Juárez (sometimes called Hemiciclo a Juárez) is a Neoclassical monument on the edge of Alameda Central Park, on Avenida Juarez.
This grand hemicycle honors former Mexican president, Benito Juarez, who helped establish democracy in Mexico.
2. Alameda Central Park
Located next to Bellas Artes in the heart of Mexico City, this large, well-maintained urban park has beautiful sculptures and fountains to enjoy.
Centro Historico can be overwhelming, so take a break from the hustle and bustle in Parque Alameda Central.
3. Bellas Artes Metro Sign
Located outside Palacio Bellas Artes, the Bellas Artes Metro Station entrance sign was a gift from the President of France. It is a surprising little bit of Paris, located right in the heart of bustling Mexico City.
🚇 If you want to take the the subway in Mexico City, you can ride Line 2 (Blue Line) and Line 8 (Green Line) to the Bellas Artes Metro Station.
Best Art Museums in Mexico City
11. Mexico National Art Museum (MUNAL)
The MUNAL Museo Nacional de Arte features an impressive collection of Neoclassical and Renaissance Art, spanning the late 17th Century through the early 20th Century.
Besides its art, the building, designed by Italian architect Silvio Contri, is itself a work of art.
Best Museums in Mexico City
12. Museo Jumex Museum
Museo Jumex is a contemporary art lover’s dream, full of famous works!
This collection includes works by famed contemporary artists like Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dali and more.
The Jumex is located in Plaza Carso, right next to the Soumaya Museum in Polanco — a great place to spend the day museum hopping in the Mexican capital.
Best Museums in Mexico City
13. National Museum of Popular Culture
This small museum, located in the Coyoacan neighborhood near the Frida Kahlo Museum, packs a powerful, colorful punch
Dedicated to Mexico’s unique ethnic and cultural diversity, marvel at the different folk art styles made by different indigenous groups all over the country.
Best Museums in Mexico City
14. Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House Studio Museum
Much like La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo House Mexico City), the Studio House offers a glimpse into the lives of Mexico’s powerhouse artist couple, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
While she is one of the most famous artists in the world, Diego Rivera is undeniably one of the most famous Mexican artists.
15. Museo Rufino Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum
Founded by Mexican artist, Ruffino Tamayo, his namesake Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo (Tamayo Museum) houses a large collection of international contemporary art in its permanent collection.
The building itself, designed by Teodoro González de León, is a work of art in itself, as well as a Mexico City landmark.
However, you’ll definitly want to head inside to see works by Pablo Picasso, Isamu Noguchi and Henry Moore.
Museo Rufino Tamayo is located in Chapultepec Park, home to many other great CDMX museums.
Best Museums in Mexico City
16. Franz Mayer Museum
This diversified museum has Latin America’s largest collection of decorative arts.
Inside the gorgeous building, you’ll find everything from sculpture and paintings, to ceramics and textiles — all from the private collection of German-born financier and Mexico City expat, Franz Mayer.
After touring the Museo Franz Mayer, enjoy a bite to eat at the outdoor Museum Café.
Set in the museum courtyard, the cafe is the perfect place to admire the intricate details and gorgeous architecture of this 18th Century building, which was once a hospital and monastery.
Best Museums in Mexico City
17. Palacio Nacional (National Palace)
The 660-foot-long (200 m) Palacio Nacional spans one entire side of the Zocalo square, and houses Mexico’s Federal Treasury, National Council and National Archives.
Inside, don’t miss the impressive series of murals painted by one of the most famous artists from Mexico, Diego Rivera.
🤑 There’s free admission to the Mexico City National Palace, but you have to leave your ID at the entrance before you go inside.
Best Museums in Mexico City
18. Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso
Considered the birthplace of the Mexican muralism movement, this beautiful ex-Jesuit boarding school now houses work’s by Mexico renowned muralists.
Head inside to see the iconic Diego Rivera mural, The Creation, José Clemente Orozco’s The Trench, and more.
19. Museum of Light
Located inside the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso Museum, you’ll also find the Museo de la Luz.
The exhibits focus on light, color and optical illusions. Both adults and children will love this museum — especially the Caleidoscopio Workshop, where kids can create their own kaleidoscope!
Best Museums in Mexico City
20. Diego Rivera Mural Museum
This small museum houses one of the best Diego Rivera paintings — Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central).
The museum isn’t far from the painting’s namesake Alameda Central Park, located right next to Palacio Bellas Artes.
In the center of the painting and you’ll see Diego Rivera as a young boy. He’s standing in front of Frida Kahlo, and next to La Catrina, the skeletal woman icon from Day of the Dead.
Best Museums in Mexico City
20. El Chopo University Museum
One of the best places to see Mexico City arts — as it houses one of the largest collections of non-traditional, underground works.
The Museo Universitario del Chopo highlights contemporary visual art, as well as literary and music exhibits, and a rotating selection of curated films.
🇲🇽 History of Chopo Museum Mexico City
Built in the Jugendstil esthetic style for an art and textile fair in Germany in the 19th Century, a Mexican firm bought it in 1902.
It was shipped to Mexico City, piece by piece, and today showcases one of the only Jugendstil buildings on the continent.
🎨 a few more Mexico City Art Museums to check out
- Museo Nacional de San Carlos
- Museo José Luis Cuevas
- Museo Nacional de Arquitectura (Mexico City Architecture Museum)
Unique Museums in Mexico City
21. Luis Barragan Studio House
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the Casa Estudio Luis Barragán represents “one of the most important contemporary architectural works,” according to UNESCO.
Now privately owned, the family who lives there graciously opens their home to visitors by reservation only.
🏘️ Casa Gilardi Luis Barragan House
Want more Luis Barragan architecture eye candy?
Head to the nearby Casa Gilardi (Gilardi House), the famed Mexican architect’s last project. The family who owns it offers tours by reservation only.
Best Museums in Mexico City
22. Museum of Antique Toys
The Museo del Juguete Antiguo houses the largest collection of antique toys in all of Mexico.
This museum gives you an interesting look at Mexico’s history, seen through pop culture and toys.
For a fun museum experience and walk down memory lane, head to the Antique Toys Museum!
23. Papalote Children’s Museum: Best Museum in Mexico City for Kids
Located in Section 2 of Chapultepec Park, kiddos will love the Papalote Museo del Niño.
It has indoor exhibits, an outdoor garden space and a 76-foot (23 m) Digital Dome to explore the Solar System while inside the premier Mexico City children’s museum.
Looking for other kid-friendly Mexico City museums?
Traveling to Mexico City with kids? In general, Mexico is a very kid-friendly country, and Mexico City is no different.
Here are four more of the best things to do in Mexico City with kids:
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not Mexico City
- Museo de Cera (Wax Museum, located right next to Ripley’s)
- Universum Museo de las Ciencias (Mexico City Science Museum)
- Mexico City Museum of Natural History
Best Museums in Mexico City
24. Mezcal & Tequila Museum
Located in Plaza Garibaldi, the best place to see mariachis in Mexico City, the Museo del Tequila and Mezcal (MUTEM) showcases the history and production methods of tequila and mezcal, two of the best Mexican drinks.
Enjoy tastings on the rooftop bar, overlooking Plaza Garibaldi.
Note: The best time to visit Plaza Garibaldi Mexico City is during weekend nights, when all the mariachi bands are playing.
Best Museums in Mexico City
25. MUCHO Chocolate Museum
Sample mucho (many) types of chocolate at the MUCHO Museo del Chocolate, and learn about the chocolate-making process as it journeys from raw cacao beans to delicious truffle.
There’s an adjoining chocolate shop, so you can buy some yummy Mexican chocolate before you leave.
26. Museum of Torture
Admittedly on the macabre side, the Museo de la Tortura houses a collection of torture instruments from the centuries-long Spanish Inquisition in Mexico.
The collection includes more than 70 instruments of capital punishment and torture from the 14th through 19th Centuries.
Best Museums in Mexico City
27. Museum of the Object (MODO)
The Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Museum of the Purpose of the Object) is a small but interesting museum in the Roma Norte neighborhood.
It features a rotating line up of thoughtfully-curated exhibitions that spotlight who we as a society are the everyday objects we use.
28. Gallery OMR Roma Norte
Galería OMR is another one of the best museums in Roma Norte. It houses the largest collection of contemporary art in the trendy Roma and La Condesa neighborhoods.
OMR Gallery is a blue chip art gallery, meaning they sell the works on display — many made by local Mexico City artists.
Best Museums in Mexico City
29. El Borceguí Museum of Shoes
The Museo del Calzado El Borceguí (formerly Museo del Zapato) is one of the coolest museums in Mexico City!
It used to be called the Museum of the Shoe, but now goes by the Museum of Footwear. Whatever name you call it, this quirky Mexico City museum is worth a visit.
Tucked away on Calle de Bolívar in Centro Historico, step inside to see more than 2,000 pieces of footwear — worn by everyone from the ancient Aztecs and Egyptians.
The museum’s collection also showcases a golden pair of shoes once donned by Queen Elizabeth II!
Best Museums in Mexico City
30. Pulque Museum (Museo del Pulque)
Pulque (pronounced pull-kay) is known as “the drink of gods,” and has been consumed in Mexico for centuries. Learn about this pre-hispanic drink, made from the agave plant, just like tequila and mezcal, at this museum.
After touring, try some pulque at the onsite pulquería (pulque bar). Now, on its own, pulque is a bit off an acquired taste that doesn’t appeal to everyone.
For this reason, the pulquería also serves curados, a popular Mexican drink that combines pulque and pureed fruit for a sweeter, more palatable taste.
Science & History Museums in Mexico City
31. Museo Nacional de la Revolución
The Monumento a la Revolución (Monument to the Revolution) is both a beautiful monument, and also houses the small Museo Nacional de la Revolución (Mexican Museum of the Revolution).
This unique museum-in-a-monument is dedicated to the Mexican Revolution, it is also the burial chamber of Mexican war heroes like Pancho Villa.
It is one of the most iconic Mexico City landmarks, and among the city’s best examples of Art Deco architecture.
Located in the historic center of Mexico City, it’s near attractions like the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace.
Best Museums in Mexico City
32. Mexico City Museum of Natural History
Located in Section II of Chapultepec Park, the Museo de Historia Natural features various exhibits examining the natural world through fossils, meteorites, insects — and of course, dinosaur skeletons.
Besides the Papalote Museum, this is one of the best museums in Mexico City for kids.
👧 Looking for other kid-friendly Mexico City museums? There’s Ripley’s Museum Mexico City and the Universum Science Museum.
Best Museums in Mexico City
33. Museum of Memory and Tolerance
Through historical exhibits, the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia focuses on the consequences of discrimination and violence throughout human history.
Definitely on the “heavy” side, the museum is a place to reflect and remember the atrocities of our past, so we never repeat them.
Best Museums in Mexico City
34. Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum
Frida’s husband, Diego Rivera, has a lesser-known Mexico City museum not far from La Casa Azul Mexico City.
The Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli houses his personal collection of pre-hispanic artifacts and some of his murals and mosaics inside a Mesoamerican temple-style building.
🎟 Mexico City Travel Tip: You get free admission to the Museo Anahuacalli Museum with your Frida Kahlo Museum ticket — so you can see two interesting museums for the price of one!
Best Museums in Mexico City
35. Leon Trotsky Museum
Bolshevik party leader Leon Trotsky was one of the most important figures in the Soviet Union
He was exiled after Stalin took power, and later banished from the U.S.S.R. Trotsky was granted exile in Mexico in 1936, and lived in Coyoacan near his friends, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Sadly, he was murdered in his Coyoacan home in 1940 by Spanish Communist, Ramon Mercader.
The home has been turned into the Leon Trotsky House Museum, popular with history buffs who can get a glimpse into this life by seeing his personal items and effects, furniture and gardens.
Best Museums in Mexico City
36. Institute of Geology Museum
The Museo del Instituto de Geología de la UNAM (Geological Museum of UNAM University), is impressive.
In fact, the Art Nouveau interior of the is as beautiful as the stones and minerals you’ll see inside.
Both a gorgeous building, with even more gorgeous interior esthetics, you’ll also see tons of impressive stone, meteorite, rock and mineral specimens from all over the world.
37. Museum of Time (Museo del Tiempo Tlalpan A.C.)
The Museo del Tiempo Tlalpan, located in the Tlalpan neighborhood, is one of the best quirky Mexico City museums!
It examines our history with telling time through an examination of archaic time pieces — including sundials, antique clocks and centuries-old watches.
Museums in Mexico City Tips & FAQ
Does Mexico City have the most museums in the world?
No — While it has a lot (estimates put it at about 140-175 museums total), cities like Paris, Moscow and London have more.
While I’m sorry to say this is untrue, if you google Does Mexico City have the most museums of any city in the world?, you’ll see (outdated) articles saying it does.
However, Moscow reportedly has 400 museums, which is definitely more!
Also, Paris and London both have more museums that Mexico City — however, Mexico City does have the most museums on the American continent!
So how many Mexico City museums are there? It depends on who’s answering the question, as you’re about to read…
Best Museums in Mexico City
How many museums are in Mexico City?
The number of museums depends on who you ask. I have done a ton of research to find a definitive answer — and many sources say there are 150 museums in Mexico City.
As this number depends on how you define a museum, different sources give different numbers. Regardless, Mexico City has a lot of museums.
The city with the most museums in the world is also up for debate for the same reason, but Mexico City usually ranks in the Top 10.
It joins the likes of Rome, Paris, London, LA and Moscow, for the coveted “Most Museums” title.
Best Museums in Mexico City
What are three popular museums in Mexico City?
If your Mexico City itinerary only has room for three, consider the 1) National Anthropology Museum, 2) National History Museum in Chapultepec Castle and 3) Frida Kahlo Museum.
What is the most visited museum in Mexico City?
The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, which sees about two million annual visitors.
What are the best free museums in Mexico City?
The Soumaya CDMX Museum has free admission everyday of the week.
This world class museum is renowned for fine art, and located in the Polanco neighborhood.
Best Museums in Mexico City
What are some off the beaten path Mexico City museums?
In a city of 150+ museums, you have a lot of options.
Some of my favorite hidden gems in Mexico City include the 1) Museum of Antique Toys, 2) Anahuacalli Diego Rivera Museum and 3) Museo del Objeto del Objeto (MODO) in Roma Norte.
Need more suggestions? Here are five more museums you might consider hidden gems in Mexico City that any museumphile will enjoy.
1. Kurimanzutto Gallery
Run by two art dealers, Mónica Manzutto and José Kuri, Kurimanzutto showcases Mexican and international artists whose work showcases Mexico’s history and culture.
The space is a large, warehouse-style modern art gallery, with a rotating line-up of temporary exhibitions.
2. Museo Tezozómoc
Part of the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico, the Tezozómoc is one of the best science museums in Mexico City.
Enjoy a hands-on experience, with many interactive exhibits.
3. Museo Interactivo de Economía (MIDE)
Opened in 2006, the Interactive Museum of the Economy in Mexico City is the first museum in the world dedicated solely to economics.
Through interactive exhibitions, games, simulations and more, this award-winning museum examines the economy in a digestible way.
4. Casa del Emilio “El Indio” Fernandez
The Monumental Casa Indio Fernández was the former home to famed Mexican filmmaker, Emilio “El Indio” Fernandez.
He was a legend in his time, the so-called Golden Age of Mexican cinema in the 1940s and 1950s.
5. Frida Toy, Art-Object Museum
The Museo del Juguete Arte-Objeto Frida is an off the beaten path Mexico City museum.
Located in the Estación Indianilla Cultural Center, this permanent exhibition showcases art-object books and art-object toys by Leonora Carrington, Francisco Toledo, Vicente Rojo and others.
Best Museums in Mexico City
What museums in Mexico City are open Monday?
While there are not many museums in Mexico city open on Mondays, two that are include the Soumaya Museum in Polanco, and Teotihuacan Ruins, which has the Teotihuacan Museum & Sculpture Garden.
Of the 35+ CDMX museums on this list, these are the are only two Mexico City museums open Mondays that I know of.
Here’s a little info on each of these best museums to visit in Mexico City on a Monday:
🗿 Teotihuacan Museum & Sculpture Garden
As someone who lived in Mexico City, I would always suggest visitors head to the Teotihuacan Museum at Teotihuacan Ruins on Monday.
It is one of the few places in Mexico City open on Mondays, though it is located just outside the city in the San Juan Teotihuacan pueblo mágico.
For more info, check out these Teotihuacan blogs:
🎨 Soumaya Museum
If you don’t want to leave Mexico City, the Soumaya Museum in the Polanco neighborhood is also open on Mondays — and admission is free.
Want to have a nice dinner in Mexico City? This posh neighborhood also has some of the best restaurants in Mexico City, like Pujol and Quintonil.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Museums in Mexico City
Mexico City has about 150 museums, with the big name ones mentioned in this article.
To go beyond the most popular museums in CDMX, join this Eplore the City’s Secret Museums Tour led by Karla, a local museum curator.
In a city of 150 or so options, you’ll never run out of Mexico City museums to explore and enjoy.
From Mexico City art museums, to natural history museums and the world class National Archeology Museum, museumphiles will absolutely adore visiting Mexico City and its many museums.
Best Museums in Mexico City Map
As the largest city in North America, and one of the Top 10 biggest cities in the world, I figured a map would be helpful to go along with this list of museums in Mexico City!
For your convenience, all of the best museums in Mexico City have been pinned to this map for you.