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Why the
National Museum
of Anthropology
is special

It is one of the world's finest museums. Many of the pre-Hispanic archaeological
treasures of Mexico are artfully on display.

Tips & insights
on the National Museum of
Anthropology in Mexico City

The
museum has two distinct sections. The one on the ground floor focuses on
pre-Hispanic objects. The one on the second floor concentrates on contemporary
ethnic life. It is mainly the first section that earned this institution its
international acclaim.

The
National Museum of Anthropology has about two dozen exhibition rooms, too
many to explore in one day. It's best to be selective. To get you started, here
are my top three favorite halls along with their star items:
Mexica
Hall (Aztec)
- Study upclose the famous 3.5-meter (12-foot) high Sun Stone (see photo above).
Teotihuacan
Hall
- View a colorful replica of a sculpted wall of the Quetzalcoatl Temple.
Maya
Hall
- See the Tomb and burial artifacts of Pacal, the great ruler of Palenque.

The
Sun Stone is popularly known as the Aztec Calendar. That's a misnomer because
the stone portrays the four prior universes of the Aztec theology.

Other
must-sees include the colossal Olmec heads carved from huge basalt rocks.

And,
there is the replica of Montezuma's stunning headdress (the original has been in
Austria for centuries, but a serious effort is underway to have it returned to
Mexico).

The
National Museum of Anthropology has a modern architectural conversation piece
that seems to defy the laws of balance. A firm, large, heavy rectangular canopy
hovers over part of the outdoor patio. It is supported only by a single column,
around which falls a high curtain of water.

Most
of the exhibits have Spanish, but not English signage. I recommend that on
your first visit you take a guided tour.

Sunday
is the most crowded day. If you can only go then, visit in the early or late
part of the day.



View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
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