Making the Most of Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropología CheapOair Staff April 24, 2013 Arts & History, Interests, International Travel, South America The Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City is the national museum of Mexico as well its most visited. Home to significant and numerous archaeological and anthropological artifacts from pre-Columbian Mexico, it is considered to be one of the most important institutions for the study of ancient Meso-American culture and society. By many of its visitors, the Museo Nacional is thought to be among the greatest museums in the world. Here are a few handy tips along with some practical info to help you make the most of your visit to this popular attraction. Highlights The highlights of a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología are many. Be sure to check out the Piedra del Sol (the “Stone of the Sun” or Aztec calendar stone), the giant stone heads of the Olmec civilization, and the 16th century Aztec statue of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of art, games, beauty, dance, flowers, and song. The museum is made up of 23 exhibition rooms and covers nearly 20 acres. Designed in 1963, the museum’s exhibition halls surround a patio with large pond and are ringed by gardens featuring more exhibits. When to Visit The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free guided tours are conducted Tuesday through Saturday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m. And 5 p.m. tours last about an hour and are subject to the availability of guides, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a guide who speaks English. How’s your Spanish? A museum ticket costs 57 pesos (just under $5US). Admission is free to children under 13, adults over 60 and students and teachers with valid ID. On Sundays, admission is free to all citizens and foreign residents. Getting There The Museo Nacional de Antropología is located at the junction of avenida Paseo de la Reforma and calzada Mahatma Gandi. The nearest Metro stations are Chapultepec and Auditorio. Secured parking is available at 16 pesos an hour (about $1.30 US). Upscale shopping, a range of dining options and more cultural attractions and museums are also in the area. Next to the museum is the expansive and green Chapultepec Park which is well worth taking a stroll through.
