National Museum
of Anthropology

candid Mexico tips

 

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.

National Museum
of Anthropology
tips & insights

Museum has two sections

Each is distinct. 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.

Exhibition rooms

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.

"Aztec Calendar"

The famous 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

They 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).

Conversation piece

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.

Guided tour

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

How to avoid the crowd

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

  

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