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Museum · Mexcaltitán, Nayarit
Museum of the Origin
Museum in the central square of Mexcaltitán, opened in 1989, with archaeological pieces from the region, models and a reproduction of a codex. The exhibition is dedicated to the hypothesis that the island was Aztlán, from which the Mexica departed.
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 Museum of the Origin
The Museo del Origen is in Mexcaltitán’s central square, facing the Temple of San Pedro y San Pablo. It occupies a building that served as a communal house and was converted into a museum: a plaque in the lobby records the opening on June 3, 1989.
The exhibition brings together archaeological items from cultures that inhabited the region, such as ceramics and petroglyphs, and models of the island. One of the most notable pieces is the reproduction of the Códice Boturini, a long strip that recounts the Mexica pilgrimage from an island surrounded by water.
The museum’s guiding theme is the hypothesis that Mexcaltitán was Aztlán, the Mexica place of origin, from which they left in the pilgrimage that ended with the founding of Tenochtitlán in the Valley of Mexico. The idea has supporters and critics among researchers; the museum presents the arguments of those who uphold it.
The visit is short and helps you understand the island before walking its streets. Together with the temple and the square, it forms the center of life in Mexcaltitán.
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
About an hour.
Best time
In the morning or midafternoon. The museum usually closes on Mondays and in the early afternoon; confirm opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It is in the island’s central square, a few minutes’ walk from any landing point.
Tip
Visit the museum before circling the island: the model and the codex help you understand the street layout and the Aztlán hypothesis.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museum of the Origin
What does the Museo del Origen have?
Archaeological pieces from the region, models of the island and a reproduction of the Códice Boturini, with the exhibition dedicated to the hypothesis that Mexcaltitán was Aztlán.
Is Mexcaltitán Aztlán?
It is a hypothesis supported by some researchers and debated by others. The Museo del Origen presents the arguments of those who support it.
Where is the Museo del Origen?
In Mexcaltitán’s central square, facing the Temple of San Pedro y San Pablo.