Top Museums in Mexico City: A Cultural Guide for Art, History, & Photography Lovers

Mexico City is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture, and exploring the top museums in Mexico City is one of the best ways to experience its vibrant heritage. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, we had such a fun time museum hopping here, and are excited to share our favorite ones with you.

Whether you're an art lover, history enthusiast, or photographer, there's something for everyone in Mexico's capital. Each museum provides a unique perspective on this country's past and present, making your visit truly memorable.

Whether you're planning a short trip or an extended stay, Mexico City's museums are an essential part of any itinerary. These top museums will definitely leave you with a deeper appreciation of this incredible city, so let's check some out!

The Top Museums in Mexico City

Most of the top museums in Mexico City are located right in the heart of the city center, or are just a short ride away. We actually visited almost all of these in just one day, but you can certainly spend several hours in some of them! 

Here are our favorite museums in Mexico City for you to add to your bucket list.

1. Palacio de Bellas Artes

As the heart of Mexico City, Palacio de Bellas Artes is definitely the most iconic museum in the city.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a masterpiece of architecture and culture, blending Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Inside, you'll find several floors of impressive murals of renowned Mexican artists, as well as rotating exhibitions and performances in its grand theater. 

This cultural hub is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts, as well as architecture fanatics.

2. National Art Museum

Located in a stunning neoclassical building, the National Art Museum showcases Mexico’s artistic evolution, and is truly one of the most architecturally stunning buildings inside and out. 

Its collection spans centuries, featuring colonial works, 19th-century masterpieces, and early modern art, as well as insight into how Mexican identity has been expressed through art.

We truthfully were mostly mesmerized by the gorgeous stairwells, and large indoor patio. One thing we will note though, is that they do not allow you to take pictures with you in it, and the security gets really weird about professional cameras, which impacted our visit a bit since we felt like we were being stared at constantly.

3. Palacio Postal

If you're looking for a hidden gem smack dab in the middle of Mexico City, then don't miss out on the stunning postal museum.

While it's primarily a post office, the Palacio Postal is a small museum with some of the most ornate architecture. With gilded railings and marble floors, it really is a photography-lovers dream.

The postal museum has guided tours available for free, but can also be visited on your own during opening hours to roam freely.

4. Museo Banco de Mexico

Located right next to the Postal Museum, this is another hidden gem of a museum. 

Museo Banco de Mexico highlights the history of currency and the role of the Bank of Mexico in shaping the country’s economy. Through Interactive displays and exhibits of rare coins and banknotes, this museum makes for an engaging experience for both adults and children.

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5. MUMEDI

For lovers of contemporary design, MUMEDI is a must-see museum in Mexico City. This boutique museum features rotating exhibits on graphic design, photography, and industrial art. After exploring the creative displays, visitors can relax at the on-site café or browse the unique gift shop.

We had seen some really cool pictures of MUMEDI, and had it on our list of top things to do in Mexico City. However, unfortunately it has been temporarily closed.

We are hoping it reopens, and will work hard to update this article whenver we recieve information of it reopening.

6. Monument to the Revolution

Although it is primarily a historical landmark, the Monument to the Revolution is one of the top sites in Mexico City, and houses a museum within its base.  

The illuminated structure is particularly stunning at night, and has panoramic views at the top.

We'd recommend getting there around 4:00 or 5:00, so that you can enjoy a beautiful sunset at the cafe on top, and have enough time to visit the museum, underground passages, and gift shop on site.

7. Museo Nacional de Antropologia

One of the most famous museums in the world, the Museo Nacional de Antropología is a treasure trove of pre-Columbian artifacts, and is one of the most historically important sites in Mexico City.

We originally went for its beautiful fountain, but it also holds an impressive collection including the Aztec Sun Stone and Mayan relics.

We particularly loved the fountain, but also their beautiful restaurant that has outdoor seating surrounded by greenery.

8. Museo Soumaya

The Museo Soumaya is an architectural masterpiece, with its unique structure covered in thousands of hexagonal tiles, and is one of the coolest buildings in Mexico City. 

Inside, it houses an eclectic collection, including works by European masters like Rodin and an extensive array of Mexican art.

9. Frida Kahlo Museum

The Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the hip neighborhood of Coyoacan, and is one of the top museums in Mexico City for art lovers. 

Also known as the Blue House, the Frida Kahlo museum offers an intimate look into the life and work of one of Mexico's most celebrated artists.

Located in her family home, the museum features her artwork, personal belongings, and an enchanting garden.

We hope you enjoy exploring all of the top museums in Mexico City! There are a a ton of fun things to do in Mexico's capital, and a lot of cool day trips from Mexico City to check out as well.

Looking to explore more areas of this incredible country? We have about 50 other Mexico travel guides for you to check out. Also, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter, where we share our latest articles, exclusive tips, and special discounts on our shop.

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