Mexico City Attractions: Art, Museums and Markets

It can be overwhelming for the first-time visitor to Mexico City to decide what to see and do. With more museums than any other city in the world, even the most decisive and disciplined art lovers and gallery goers are likely to find the volume and range of choices here to be dizzying.

There are the perennial favorites that are already established as must-sees: the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Art Museum), Frida Kahlo’s and Diego Rivera’s Casa Azúl, and the National Museum of Anthropology—and their renown is well-deserved.

But not so far off the beaten path are sites and institutions, either obscure or simply overlooked, that are just as worthy of attention … not the least reason being that everyone else’s neglect means you’re likely to have the run of the place! Here are some of my favorites:

Museo Nacional de la Historia

Mexico’s National History Museum is housed within the Chapultepec Castle, the construction of which began in 1785. The castle has a fascinating history in its own right, having been the palatial home of ruler Maximiliano in the 1860s, and converted to a museum by presidential decree in 1939. The collection of historical artifacts and ephemera housed here today is stunning in both its scope and its quality: jewelry, furniture, religious objects and fine arts are just a few of the numerous categories that comprise the permanent collection.

 

• Mexico’s National History Museum is located in the beautiful Chapultepec Castle, which was built in the late 18th century.

Courtesy of the Mexico Tourism Board

Even if you’re not able to see the entire collection, the castle itself is a national historical treasure; be sure to check out its stained glass windows and murals, and don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo outside—the vantage point offered from the castle’s hilltop position is unrivaled. Because the museum is located in the nearly 1,800 acre Chapultepec Park, you can enjoy a walk through this urban green space, which contains a zoo and the perimeter of which is dotted with a handful of other museums.

Bosque de Chapultepec. Tel. +52-5061-9217. Admission: MXN$51 (about US$3.50), free for children under 13. Hours: Tue. to Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.mnh.inah.gob.mx

Centro Historico

A visit to the Centro Histórico may seem terribly touristy, but it’s true that Mexico City’s biggest, most important plaza is an obligatory stop at some point during your visit. Don’t worry if you’re the type who likes to travel outside the guidebook—there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy here that few travelers know about and even fewer guidebooks mention. There’s the flag raising and lowering ceremony that occurs in the center of the plaza (under the enormous flag—you cannot miss it) every day, a powerful ceremony that’s impressive for the number of soldiers and special forces who participate, the size of the flag and the pomp of the entire affair.

 

• Don’t miss out on the flag ceremony, which takes place twice a day in the Zócalo.

Haynes Photography

Then there are the museums just a stone’s throw away that aren’t high-traffic tourist spots but which offer visitors plenty to see and do. There’s the Museum of Gastronomy, just across the sidewalk from the Catedral Metropolitana, where the history of Mexican food is told in interactive exhibits that are equally kid- and adult-friendly. There’s also a museum dedicated to caricature, the Museum of Mexico City and a photography museum, all of which excel in the presentation of their respective subjects.

Galeria Nuestra Cocina Duque de Herdéz: Seminario 18, Centro Histórico. located inside the Fundación Herdéz; the museum is on the upper floor. Admission: a "donation" of MXN$5 (US$.36). www.fundacionherdez.com.
Museum of Caricatures: Donceles 99, Centro Histórico. Tel. +52-55-5704-0459. Admission: $15, $10 for children 3 and under. Hours: Mon. to Fri., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum of Mexico City: Pino Suaréz 30, Centro Histórico. Tel. +52-55-5542-0083. Admission: Free. Hours: Tue. to Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.cultura.df.gob.mx.
Museo Archivo de la Fotografía: República de Guatemala 34, Centro Histórico. Tel.+52-55-2616-7057. Admission: Free. Hours. Tue. to Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.cultura.df.gob.mx.

Next: Mexico City’s Markets