13 best Mexico City museums you won’t want to miss

Mexico’s layered cultures and centuries of history make it one of the most fascinating countries in the world. So it’s no surprise that everyone wants to visit the best museums in Mexico City during their trip. From discovering ancient Aztec artifacts at the National Museum of Anthropology to enjoying Frida Kahlo’s rich colors and surrealist style to savoring the history of chocolate, it’s not difficult to find something for everyone.

Mexico City’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for history: National Museum of Anthropology

Best museum for art: Frida Kahlo Museum

Best museum for families: Museo de Chocolate

1. National Museum of Anthropology

Best for ancient history lovers

Why should I visit the National Museum of Anthropology?

Get a comprehensive glimpse into Mexico’s layered history at the National Museum of Anthropology. Renowned for its extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, it offers deep insight into the country’s indigenous cultures and civilizations and is often regarded as one of the best museums in Mexico.

How long can I spend at the National Museum of Anthropology?

It’s easy to spend the entire day at the National Museum of Anthropology. But most visitors budget between two and four hours for a visit.

Insider tip

The last Wednesday of every month in Mexico City is Museum Night, which means the museum stays open until 10 PM. Seeing the specially illuminated exhibits after hours is one of the best things to do at night in Mexico City.

Address and opening hours

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. Templo Mayor Museum

Best for archaeology lovers

Why should I visit the Templo Mayor Museum?

Mexico City sits on the former site of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital city. The Templo Mayor site is the ruins of the main temple of Tenochtitlán. Discovered accidentally by electricians in the 1970s, the Templo Mayor Museum is now one of the most important in Mexico City for understanding the culture, religion, and daily life of the Aztecs.

How long can I spend at the Templo Mayor Museum?

While you can always spend endless time pouring over the exhibits at the Templo Mayor Museum, most agree you can have a good experience there in two hours.

Insider tip

For the best views over the Templo Mayor site, visit the Librería Porrúa on República de Argentina and go to its rooftop cafe.

Address and opening hours

Seminario 8, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06060 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

3. National Museum of the Revolution

Best for 20th-century history lovers

Why should I visit the National Museum of the Revolution?

Set within the Arc de Triomphe-esque Monument to the Revolution of 1910, this national museum takes you on a tour through Mexico’s turbulent revolutionary history. Browse exhibits featuring artifacts, documents, and media presentations that bring the timeline of the nation’s struggle for social justice to life.

How long can I spend at the National Museum of the Revolution?

Visitors can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours in this museum.

Insider tip

If you’re not scared of heights and not claustrophobic, ride the glass elevator to the top for panoramic views of Mexico City, or descend deep into the crypts to see the resting place of Mexico’s revolutionary figures.

Address and opening hours

Plaza, Av. de la República S/N, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, 06030 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and until 7:00 PM on weekends.

4. Museum of El Carmen

Best for architecture and history lovers

Why should I visit the Museum of El Carmen?

Set within the 17th-century walls of a former Carmelite convent, the Museum of El Carmen is the museum to visit for colonial art and artifacts. The building’s baroque architecture sets the scene for religious paintings and well-preserved mummies down in the crypt. This lesser-known museum is one of Mexico City’s hidden gems. Step outside into the beautifully manicured gardens and cloisters for a relaxing break and some fresh air.

How long can I spend at the Museum of El Carmen?

You can spend between one and two hours at Museum El Carmen to explore the historical artifacts, religious art, and architecture of the former convent.

Insider tip

The museum is located in the San Angel neighborhood, which is a southern suburb of the city. You can make a day out of it to maximize your time in this interesting area. Visit El Bazar Sabado, the “Saturday Market”, for crafts, art, and street food.

Address and opening hours

Av. Revolución 6-no 4 y, San Ángel, Álvaro Obregón, 01000 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

5. Museo Panteón de San Fernando

Best for Mexican history lovers

Why should I visit the Museo Panteón de San Fernando?

Museo Panteón de San Fernando is not your typical museum, seeing as it’s housed in a cemetery in the heart of Mexico City. The museum and grounds serve as the final resting place for many of Mexico’s most prominent figures, including presidents, artists, and heroes from the Mexican War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution.

How long can I spend at the Museo Panteón de San Fernando?

Plan to spend between one and two hours at the museum, learning about Mexican history and the lives of notable figures buried at the cemetery..

Insider tip

If you’re feeling extra brave, you can visit the cemetery after the sun goes down — Mexican culture believes in the supernatural, after all. The museum is open for free on the night of the last Wednesday of every month.

Address and opening hours

C. San Fernando 17, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, 06300 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

6. Frida Kahlo Museum

Best for iconic Mexican art lovers

Why should I visit the Frida Kahlo Museum?

One of the best places to visit in Mexico City, the Frida Kahlo Museum, known as the Blue House for its cobalt-blue walls, is a dedication to the life and works of Frida Kahlo. The museum, the former home of Mexico’s most iconic artist, showcases her works, personal belongings, and insights into her tumultuous relationship with muralist Diego Rivera.

How long can I spend at the Frida Kahlo Museum?

Most visitors spend about two hours at the Frida Kahlo Museum, though you can certainly spend more time exploring the nooks and crannies of her former home.

Insider tip

The Blue House is one of the most recognized landmarks in Mexico City’s leafy Coyoacan neighborhood. If you visit this affluent area on a Saturday, check out the local market, which is just a few blocks from the house.

Address and opening hours

Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

7. Museo Jumex

Best for contemporary art lovers

Why should I visit Museo Jumex?

Explore the vibrant contemporary art scene at the Museo Jumex. As one of Mexico City’s most important modern art spaces, it offers a rich collection of global contemporary works, and hosts innovative temporary exhibitions. The collection features pieces from notable modern artists, including Gabriel Orozco and Jeff Koons. Its distinctive architecture, with a saw-tooth roof, also stands out.

How long can I spend at Museo Jumex?

The museum has five floors to explore, though they are not very large floors. Most visitors spend about an hour wandering, though more in-depth exploration can take at least two hours.

Insider tip

Museo Jumex is across the street from Museo Soumaya, one of Mexico City’s other great museums. You can easily fit both in during the same day.

Address and opening hours

Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11520 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Open until 7:00 PM on Saturdays.

8. Museo Nacional de Arte

Best for fine art lovers

Why should I visit Museo Nacional de Arte?

The Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) is home to a vast collection of Mexican art from the 16th to the mid-20th centuries. The landmark is one of the best art museums in Mexico City, known for its works by notable Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo.

How long can I spend at the Museo Nacional de Arte?

Visitors typically spend about two to three hours at the museum, but if you want to take your time, then budget up to five hours to see the vast collection.

Insider tip

The museum’s beautiful Neoclassical building is itself a piece of art, and its walls are splashed with impressive murals by Diego Rivera.

Address and opening hours

C. de Tacuba 8, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

9. Palacio de Bellas Artes

Best for performance art lovers

Why should I visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes?

One of the most famous museums in Mexico City, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, stands as an iconic symbol of the city’s cultural scene. The majestic palace hosts a variety of art forms, from visual arts to dance, music, and theater, and houses an impressive collection of Mexican and international art.

How long can I spend at the Palacio de Bellas Artes?

You can spend as little as 20 minutes in the museum looking at its hall of murals. For a deeper dive into its collection, plan to spend about two hours.

Insider tip

Visit the museum later in the day to take advantage of the nighttime walking tour.

Address and opening hours

Av. Juárez S/N, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06050 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

10. Franz Mayer Museum

Best for design lovers

Why should I visit the Franz Mayer Museum?

The Franz Mayer Museum houses Mexico’s largest collection of decorative arts. It showcases an array of furniture, textiles, ceramics, and other design pieces from Mexico and Europe, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

How long can I spend at the Franz Mayer Museum?

You can spend around two hours exploring the Franz Mayer Museum to view its impressive collection of furniture, ceramics, and textiles.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the Talavera ceramics collection. Mayer was a big collector of Talavera pottery, and the collection is known around the world for its sheer number of pieces from the 17th to 20th centuries. Leave time to sit and enjoy the museum’s central patio.

Address and opening hours

Av. Hidalgo 45, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, 06300 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Open until 6:00 PM on weekends.

11. Museo de Chocolate

Best for families

Why should I visit the Museo de Chocolate?

The Museo de Chocolate, or MUCHO, is a treat for all senses. Everyone from casual snackers to full-blown chocoholics can enjoy the rich history of chocolate here, from its spiritual roots in ancient Mesoamerican cultures to its worldwide popularity today. It’s also one of the most family-friendly activities in Mexico City.

How long can I spend at the Museo de Chocolate?

You can spend one to two hours at the Museo de Chocolate to learn about the history and art of chocolate. If you want to participate in a workshop, plan for extra time.

Insider tip

The museum itself is a work of art, housed in a neoclassical building. Don’t miss the cafe on the ground floor it serves chocolate from all around the world.

Address and opening hours

C. Milan 45, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México. Open daily, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

12. Natural History Museum

Best for science lovers

Why should I visit the Natural History Museum?

Located within Chapultepec Park, Mexico City´s Natural History Museum is a testament to the incredible diversity of life on Earth. It houses a variety of exhibits covering paleontology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

How long can I spend at the Natural History Museum?

The museum is massive, so budget a minimum of two hours, but most visitors end up spending around four hours to see everything.

Insider tip

The museum’s exhibit on Mexico’s ecosystems, filled with life-size animal models, is a must-see. Don’t miss the fascinating collection of dinosaur fossils.

Address and opening hours

Av. de los Compositores, Bosque de Chapultepec II Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Ciudad de México. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

13. Museo Soumaya

Best for modern art lovers

Why should I visit the Museo Soumaya

The squeezed, warped shape of the glitzy Museo Soumaya makes it one of the most eye-catching architectural works in Mexico City. You can see it glinting in the sun from miles away, thanks to its 16,000 hexagonal tiles. Designed by Fernando Romero, it is one of the best museums for contemporary art and culture. Home to more than 66,000 pieces, the museum features works from renowned artists like Rodin, Dali, and Rivera. Plus, it’s free to visit.

How long can I spend at the Museo Soumaya

You can spend anywhere from one to three hours here.

Insider tip

Take the elevator all the way to the top and work your way down the circular ramp. The museum’s interior was built reminiscent of the Guggenheim in New York.

Address and opening hours

Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11529 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México. Open daily, 10:30 AM-6:30 PM.

FAQs

1. What are the most famous museums in Mexico City?

The National Museum of Anthropology is a definite highlight, featuring an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. The Frida Kahlo Museum is also very popular and offers a deep dive into the life and works of the world-famous artist.

2. Are there any free museums in Mexico City?

Several museums in Mexico City offer free admission, and some are free on selected days. For instance, the Museo de la Ciudad de México, the Museo de Arte Moderno, and the Museo Nacional de Arte are free on Sundays.

3. What’s the most interesting museum in Mexico City if I only have time for one?

The National Museum of Anthropology is one of Mexico’s most iconic museums. If you only have time for one museum, make it this one.

4. Are there any fun museums in Mexico City for families and children?

The Papalote Museo del Niño is designed especially for children with a variety of interactive exhibits. The Universum Museum and the Museum of Light also offer hands-on exhibits that make learning fun and engaging for kids of all ages.

5. For which museums in Mexico City are guided tours recommended?

A tour guide at the National Museum of Anthropology can provide valuable insights into pre-Columbian civilizations. Similarly, a guided tour at the Frida Kahlo Museum can enrich your understanding of the artist’s life and work.

6. Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Mexico City?

There isn’t a city-wide museum pass available in Mexico City. However, some museums do offer their own passes for multiple visits, and others have discount days.