National Museum of Anthropology Mexico City
As the most visited museum in Mexico, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología in Spanish), stands as an essential destination for anyone exploring Mexico City. This iconic institution offers visitors a profound introduction to the rich tapestry of Mexican heritage.
The museum’s foundation is rooted in the mid-20th century, a period marked by a powerful intellectual movement in Mexico. This movement championed the significance of indigenous heritage, aiming to rectify historical biases and create a space that honored Mexico’s ancestral roots. The vision was to construct a grand museum showcasing the breadth of indigenous Mexican culture, particularly archaeological discoveries.
Under President Adolfo Lopez Mateos, this ambitious project took shape. Architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez spearheaded the museum’s construction from 1963 to 1964. Today, the National Anthropology Museum is globally celebrated for its extensive and exceptional collections.
The museum’s collection journey began in 1790 with a pivotal discovery: the Sun Stone, unearthed at the base of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Subsequent years unveiled other monumental treasures, including sculptures of Coatlicue, the Tizoc Stone, and the Xiuhcoatl colossal head. These remarkable finds ignited a surge of interest in Mexico’s cultural legacy and spurred efforts to protect and understand its profound meanings.
The museum building itself is an architectural marvel. Its suspended roof, prominently featured in the central courtyard, is a celebrated design element. Inspired by the open plazas of ancient Maya ceremonial sites, the museum’s facade incorporates allegorical decorations referencing pre-Hispanic symbols like the serpent and the snail, seamlessly blending modern design with ancient motifs.
The Museo De Antropologia Mexico is thoughtfully organized into two primary sections, guiding visitors through a comprehensive exploration of Mexican history and culture.
Exploring Anthropology at the National Museum
The ground floor of the museum is dedicated to Anthropology, with direct access from the central courtyard to eleven distinct galleries. These galleries provide a structured and insightful overview of the field of anthropology as it relates to Mexico and the Americas.
The eleven galleries include:
- Introduction to Anthropology
- The Peopling of the Americas
- The Pre-classical Period in the Central Highlands
- The Teotihuacan Culture
- The Toltecs
- The Epi-classic period
- Mexica Culture
- The Cultures of Oaxaca
- The Cultures of the Gulf Coast
- Mayan Culture
- Cultures of the West and North.
At the heart of the museum, in the central hall, visitors are confronted with the imposing Sun Stone, also known as the Aztec calendar stone. This iconic artifact, recovered from the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, serves as a powerful symbol of Mexica artistry and cosmology.
For visitors planning a trip, the museum is conveniently accessible via the Turibus Historic Center Circuit, with a stop on the Paseo de la Reforma at the intersection of Avenida Grutas. From this point, the impressive Tlaloc Monolith is also readily visible.
Visiting Hours: The National Museum of Anthropology welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
