Mexico City’s museum options are unlike anything in the world, including New York’s, London’s, and other cities that come to mind. The Mexico City museums have deep cultural roots from their architecture, to their geographic sites, and the unique mission of each institution. Here are are our team’s favorites:
Major Contemporary Museums
Museo Jumex - Polanco
Contemporary art museum in David Chipperfield-designed building. Rotating exhibitions of international contemporary artists and café.
Museo Tamayo - Chapultepec
Contemporary art museum showcasing Latin American and international artists. Founded by artist Rufino Tamayo, hosts major exhibitions and annual benefit gala during Zona MACO.
Museo de Arte Moderno - Chapultepec
Surrealist works by Mexican artists including Frida Kahlo, María Izquierdo, Alice Rahon, Kati Horna, Leonora Carrington, and Remedios Varo.
Historic & Cultural Museums
Museo Soumaya - Polanco
Free admission. Carlos Slim’s collection in honeycomb-shaped building: European masters, Mexican colonial art, and pre-Hispanic artifacts.
Museo Nacional de Antropología - Chapultepec
Mexican history and pre-Columbian artifacts. Provides cultural context for contemporary art.
Anahuacalli Museum - Coyoacán
Diego Rivera’s pyramid-like building (designed with Frank Lloyd Wright) housing a pre-Columbian collection. Now features contemporary installations in the courtyard. Reservation recommended.
Artist House Museums
Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum) - Coyoacán
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s former home, featuring her final painting “Viva la Vida.” Book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance.
Palacio de Bellas Artes - Centro Histórico
Art Nouveau/Art Deco building with murals by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Also hosts ballet folklórico performances.
Museo Mural Diego Rivera - Centro Histórico
Features Rivera’s mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.”
And some architectural destinations to check out:
Luis Barragán Houses
All require advance reservations*
Casa Barragán - Tacubaya
The architect’s home and studio. UNESCO World Heritage site.
Casa Pedregal - San Ángel
Private residence demonstrating Barragán’s integration of modernist architecture with Mexican traditions. May require private booking. Near the restaurant Tetetlán.
Casa Gilardi - Tacubaya
Barragán’s final residential work with signature pink walls and interplay of light and water.