National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City (must see)
Situated between Paseo de la Reforma (Promenade of the Reform) and Calle Mahatma Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi Street), within the enchanting Chapultepec Park stands the National Museum of Anthropology. This esteemed institution is devoted to safeguarding the invaluable archaeological and anthropological legacy of pre-Columbian Mexico while also fostering an appreciation for contemporary Mexican ethnography.
The museum building itself boasts a striking modernist design, featuring an array of halls encircling a central courtyard adorned with a serene pond. Dominating the courtyard is a grand concrete umbrella, elegantly upheld by a solitary pillar, with an artificial cascade gracefully descending around it. Each hall is encompassed by beautifully landscaped gardens, some even showcasing outdoor exhibits that add to the allure of the surroundings.
Within the museum's collection lie numerous artifacts of immense significance, such as the renowned Aztec Stone of the Sun, an exquisite 16th-century Aztec Statue of Xochipilli, and the ancient 8th-century tomb of Mayan ruler Pacal. Among the treasures, you'll also discover a fascinating monkey cup crafted from black obsidian and imposing stone heads hailing from the Olmec civilization. The institution further captivates visitors with astonishing reproductions of Mayan murals within a meticulously reconstructed temple.
But the museum's role extends beyond the exploration of pre-Columbian anthropology; it goes the extra mile to illuminate the lives of modern-day ethnic groups in Mexico. As visitors delve into the rich tapestry of the past, they are also enlightened about the contemporary existence and lifestyles of various ethnic communities throughout the country.
In essence, the National Museum of Anthropology not only preserves history but also serves as an enlightening bridge connecting the heritage of ancient Mexico to the vibrant diversity of present-day Mexican culture.
Why You Should Visit:
On par with the best museums of this type in the world. Your camera will smoke from all the pictures!
Excellent layout/curatorship and they have a delicious restaurant with economically priced dishes, as well as excellent crafted silver jewels at an affordable price.
Tip:
Arrive promptly at opening time to avoid larger crowds later in the day.
Exhibit labels in English are available for major items. Load Google translate on your phone/tablet and use the image translator feature to translate the exhibit descriptions.
The museum building itself boasts a striking modernist design, featuring an array of halls encircling a central courtyard adorned with a serene pond. Dominating the courtyard is a grand concrete umbrella, elegantly upheld by a solitary pillar, with an artificial cascade gracefully descending around it. Each hall is encompassed by beautifully landscaped gardens, some even showcasing outdoor exhibits that add to the allure of the surroundings.
Within the museum's collection lie numerous artifacts of immense significance, such as the renowned Aztec Stone of the Sun, an exquisite 16th-century Aztec Statue of Xochipilli, and the ancient 8th-century tomb of Mayan ruler Pacal. Among the treasures, you'll also discover a fascinating monkey cup crafted from black obsidian and imposing stone heads hailing from the Olmec civilization. The institution further captivates visitors with astonishing reproductions of Mayan murals within a meticulously reconstructed temple.
But the museum's role extends beyond the exploration of pre-Columbian anthropology; it goes the extra mile to illuminate the lives of modern-day ethnic groups in Mexico. As visitors delve into the rich tapestry of the past, they are also enlightened about the contemporary existence and lifestyles of various ethnic communities throughout the country.
In essence, the National Museum of Anthropology not only preserves history but also serves as an enlightening bridge connecting the heritage of ancient Mexico to the vibrant diversity of present-day Mexican culture.
Why You Should Visit:
On par with the best museums of this type in the world. Your camera will smoke from all the pictures!
Excellent layout/curatorship and they have a delicious restaurant with economically priced dishes, as well as excellent crafted silver jewels at an affordable price.
Tip:
Arrive promptly at opening time to avoid larger crowds later in the day.
Exhibit labels in English are available for major items. Load Google translate on your phone/tablet and use the image translator feature to translate the exhibit descriptions.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mexico City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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National Museum of Anthropology on Map
Sight Name: National Museum of Anthropology
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mexico City, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Mexico City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mexico City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Coyoacan District Walking Tour
Translated from the Nahuatle language as 鈥淭he Land of Coyotes鈥�, Coyoac谩n is a relatively quiet neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City. Formerly a rural village, over the years Coyoac谩n has become a rich pocket of art and history in the capital, closely associated with some iconic figures of the 20th century and the tumultuous times in which they lived.
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour
Mexico City is the oldest capital in the Americas and is one of the two founded by indigenous people. Originally known as Mexico Tenochtitlan, the city was built by the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in 1325. According to a legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli, pointed out the site of the future settlement with an image of a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Chapultepec Park Walking Tour
Nicknamed "the Lungs of Mexico City", Chapultepec Park is a vast oasis of lush greenery in the heart of the Mexican capital, sprawling over 686 hectares of land, providing a vital source of oxygen for the city. Rich in natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, throughout centuries, this park has inspired various works of literature, poetry, and visual art, further... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historic Center Food Tour
A combination of history and tradition in Mexico City permeates all aspects of life, including food. For centuries, food and drink have been an inseparable part of the city's culture. Within Mexico City's bustling historic center, you can find a variety of culinary gems that offer a taste of what we call diverse Mexican cuisine.
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Zona Rosa Walking Tour
Zona Rosa, or "Pink Zone" in English, is a vibrant neighborhood near the historic center of the Mexican capital which is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. The neighborhood's name comes from the pink-colored tiles abundantly used to pave the local streets.
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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