Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone: +52 55 5553 6266
The National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia) in Mexico City contains the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art, alongside ethnographic exhibits that explore Mexico’s present-day indigenous groups. Each cultural region of Mesoamerica is represented in dedicated halls, while the ethnological exhibits occupy the second floor. You could easily spend a full day here; however, dedicating a few hours will still provide a comprehensive view of this remarkable museum.
The Anthropology Museum is among Mexico City’s top sights.
Highlights
- The Sun Stone or Aztec Calendar
- Recreation of Pakal’s tomb in Maya exhibit room
- Jade mask of the Zapotec Bat God in Oaxaca exhibit room
Exhibits
The National Museum of Anthropology boasts 23 permanent exhibit halls. Archaeological exhibits are located on the ground floor, while ethnographic exhibits about contemporary indigenous groups in Mexico can be found on the upper level.
Upon entering the museum, navigate to the right side, where cultures that developed in Central Mexico are organized chronologically. Begin on the right and proceed counter-clockwise to gain insight into how these cultures evolved, culminating in the Mexica (Aztec) exhibit, which features monumental stone sculptures, including the famous Aztec Calendar, widely known as the “Sun Stone.”
To the left of the entrance are halls dedicated to other cultural areas of Mexico. The Oaxaca and Maya rooms provide particularly impressive displays.
Additionally, several rooms present recreations of archaeological scenes, such as murals in the Teotihuacan exhibit and tombs in the Oaxaca and Maya rooms. This setup offers a unique context for viewing the artifacts.
The museum is structured around a spacious courtyard, providing a pleasant area to relax when you need a break. With its large size and extensive collection, allocate sufficient time to experience it fully.
Location and Getting There
The museum is situated on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma and Calzada Gandhi, in the Colonia Chapultepec Polanco. It lies within the Chapultepec Park’s Primera Seccion (First Section), but just outside the park gates (across the street).
To arrive, you can take the metro to either Chapultepec or Auditorio station and follow the signs from there.
The Turibus also provides a convenient transportation option, with a stop located just outside the museum.
Services
- Guide service: Tour guides are typically available on-site. Make sure to hire recognized guides endorsed by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism, identifiable by their badges. Agree on a price before hiring.
- Audio guides: Audio guides are available for rent in Spanish, English, and French.
- Gift shop: Located near the entrance, the gift shop operates from 10 am to 7 pm, offering a variety of gifts, reproductions of museum pieces, and more.
- Restaurant: The museum features a quality restaurant on the ground floor that is open from 10 am to 6 pm. While it is not inexpensive, the experience is worthwhile.
- Coat check: Large bags or packages are not permitted in the exhibit area. However, you can leave them for free in the coat check area.
