Visiting the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City
The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is one of the best museums in Mexico.
It has the most extensive collection of archeological and ethnographic artifacts of pre-Hispanic civilizations, providing us with an in-depth picture of the history and culture of Mexico’s indigenous people.
Mexico City National Museum of Anthropology – An Overview
Locally known as Museo Nacional de Anthropologia (MNA), the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City was opened in 1964 to honor Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage.
The vast museum has two floors and 23 permanent exhibition halls. Additionally, there are always some temporary exhibitions in progress.
Apart from the exhibits, the architecture of the museum is worth seeing. The display rooms are spread around a massive courtyard with a concrete umbrella fountain in the center.
Numerous gardens surround the rooms, and you’ll find many outdoor exhibits. The setting takes you straight to the jungles of Yucatan and the lost cities of Central Mexico.
Unmissable Highlights of the Mexico City Anthropology Museum
Here are the most unmissable exhibits at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
Aztec Sun Stone
The Aztec Sun Stone, or Piedra del Sol, was one of the first and most significant Mexican artifacts to be added to the museum’s collection.
It is a circular stone sculpture that measures 12 ft in diameter and nearly 55,000 lbs in weight. Built by the ancient Mexica people in the early 16th century, the Sun Stone depicts an Aztec ceremonial calendar.
Giant Olmec Heads
Dating to 900 BCE, the massive stone heads of the Olmec civilization are a must-see at the Anthropology Museum.
These were generally found in Mexico’s Veracruz and Tabasco regions and are believed to represent memorials of influential Olmec kings.
Pakal’s Tomb
Pakal or K’inich Janaab Pakal was an illustrious Mayan leader who ruled the Yucatan Peninsula in the 7th century. Pakal was buried in a massive sarcophagus at the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque.
You can see a recreation of Pakal’s famous tomb in the Mayan section at the National Anthropology Museum. At the museum, you can also see the original jade mask and exquisite jewelry found on Pakal during the excavations.
Chac-Mool Figures
Several pre-Hispanic civilizations used the seated human-like Chac-Mool figures as a receptacles for holding the heart during animal and human sacrifices.
You’ll see many Chac-Mool figures at the Anthropology Museum.
Chichen Itza Ball Game Goal
Be sure to notice the ball game hoops displayed in the hallway. Ball game was an essential form of entertainment in almost every Mesoamerican civilization.
Massive ball courts have been unearthed across Latin America. The ball court at Chichen Itza is one of the largest in the world.
Visiting the National Anthropology Museum
Mexico City National Anthropology Museum is located inside Chapultepec Park between Mahatma Gandhi Street and Paseo de la Reforma.
It is open from 9 am – 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Admission to the Anthropology Museum is 95 Mexican Pesos. Children under 13 years of age enter for free. You can access the museum for free on Sundays if you’re a Mexican national or resident.
You can get to the Anthropology Museum by using public transportation in Mexico City. Take Metrobus Line 7 and get off at the Gandhi bus stop. Or take Metro Line 1 and get off at the Chapultepec station. From there, the museum is a 20-minute walk.
The museum has a free parking lot. You can also park in one of Chapultepec Park’s other parking lots.
Find more information on the museum’s official website here.
Tickets
You can buy the ticket for the Mexico City Anthropology Museum here.
If you’re short on time, I recommend going with a guided tour so that you can cover the essential sections with a knowledgeable tour guide. The Anthropology Museum is massive, and having a local guide you throughout is always helpful.
Things to know before you go
Mexico City Anthropology Museum is closed on Mondays.
The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is enormous. It has 23 permanent exhibit halls and thousands of artifacts on display. You may need an entire day to see and learn about all the exhibits in depth.
The Anthropology Museum is located inside the Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. You can club your museum visit with other activities, such as a visit to the Chapultepec Castle (also located within the park) and a boat ride on the Chapultepec Lake.
Mexico City Museum of Anthropology FAQ
How much time do you need at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City?
You need at least 2-3 hours at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City to skim through the exhibits in all 23 exhibition halls. If you want to delve deeper, you can spend as long as an entire day here.
What is the most famous exhibit in the Museum of Anthropology?
The most famous exhibit at the Mexico City Museum of Anthropology is the Aztec Sun Stone, or Piedra de Sol, excavated from under the Metropolitan Cathedral in the historic center. This intricately carved stone served as a ceremonial calendar for the Aztecs in the 16th century.
What are the highlights of the Anthropology Museum in Mexico City?
The highlights of the Anthropology Museum in Mexico City include the Aztec Sun Stone, the giant Olmec heads, Chac-Mool figures, Chichen Itza ball game posts, and a replica of the tomb of the great Mayan king, Pakal.
What is the National Museum of Anthropology known for?
The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is known for its extensive collection of archeological and ethnographic artifacts that tell us a lot about the indigenous cultures of Mexico.
Final thoughts about Mexico City National Anthropology Museum
The National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City is one of the best places to visit in Mexico, especially if you’re interested in learning more about the indigenous populations of Mexico.
If you have ever been fascinated by the history of the Mayans, the Aztecs, and the Toltecs, then the Anthropology Museum is the best place to be.
Written by Soumya Gayatri, Author of Stories by Soumya Blog
Soumya is a history and culture enthusiast who helps her readers plan immersive cultural trips through her travel blog, Stories by Soumya. Her writings about travel and culture have been published in BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, National Herald, and many more. Mexico City is one of her favorite places in the world and she keeps coming back here for the history, the culture, and the food.
