National Museum

of Anthropology

travel wonder in Mexico City

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

winners in Mexico

My phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

My Mexican

cuisine guide

I hope your Mexico travel dreams come true - and that my

National Museum of Anthropology page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications