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Museum · Cidade do México, Cidade do México
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Mexico's largest archaeology museum, in Chapultepec, with 23 rooms, the Aztec Sun Stone, Olmec heads, and Mayan art.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museo Nacional de Antropología
The National Museum of Anthropology, opened in 1964 in Chapultepec forest, houses Mexico's largest archaeology and ethnography collection. The building, designed by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, has a central courtyard covered by a large concrete canopy supported on a single column, called "the umbrella," from which a curtain of water falls.
The ground floor is dedicated to ancient cultures, room by room: the first settlers, the Preclassic period, Teotihuacan, the Toltecs, the Mexica, Oaxaca, the Gulf coast, the Maya and the north and west. The Mexica room holds the Sun Stone, the large stone disk known as the Aztec calendar, and the sculpture of Coatlicue. The Maya room has the reconstruction of Pakal's tomb from Palenque.
The upper floor shows the lives of today's indigenous peoples, with clothing, houses and objects from various regions of the country. It is less visited and helps to understand the diversity of present-day Mexico.
The museum is too large for a single visit. Those short on time usually prioritize the Teotihuacan, Mexica and Maya rooms, which add up to three or four hours. There is a restaurant inside the museum.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Three to four hours for the main halls; a full day for everything.
Best time
Early, when it opens. It usually closes on Mondays; check before you go.
How to get there
On Paseo de la Reforma avenue, in Chapultepec forest. Metro line 7, Auditorio station, or metrobús along Reforma. From Polanco it's walkable.
Tip
Visit Teotihuacan after seeing the museum's Teotihuacan room: the models help understand the size of the ancient city.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo Nacional de Antropología
How long does it take to see the National Museum of Anthropology?
For the main halls (Teotihuacan, Mexica and Maya), three to four hours. For the entire museum, a full day.
Where is the Aztec Sun Stone?
In the Mexica hall of the National Museum of Anthropology, in Chapultepec Forest.
Is the Museum of Anthropology open on Mondays?
It usually closes on Mondays, like most museums in the city. Confirm before you go.