Museo Nacional de Antropología

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 'El Paraguas' central fountain is engraved with a relief depicting the history of Mexico and is fed by a 17-meter waterfall.

2. 2

   The building was constructed in only 19 months, completing in 1964.

3. 3

   The museum's ground floor halls are designed to mimic the open-air nature of the archaeological sites they represent.

4. 4

   The museum contains the original stone 'Grasshopper' sculpture, which is the symbol of Chapultepec.

5. 5

   Many of the museum's walls are made of volcanic stone native to the Valley of Mexico.

6. 6

   The ethnography section on the second floor is organized by geographical region, showcasing how indigenous cultures adapt to their specific environments.

7. 7

   The museum holds over 7,000 items on permanent display, a small fraction of its total collection.

Overview

The Museo Nacional de Antropología is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico, housing the world's most comprehensive collection of pre-Columbian Mexican artifacts. Designed by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, the building features a massive concrete umbrella structure supported by a single central column known as El Paraguas. The ground floor displays archaeological remains from diverse Mesoamerican civilizations including the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Toltec, and Mexica cultures. The upper floor exhibits ethnographic displays depicting the living traditions, customs, and textiles of contemporary indigenous groups in Mexico. The central courtyard features a large reflective pool surrounded by lush vegetation and exhibition halls. The iconic Aztec Sun Stone, or Piedra del Sol, is prominently displayed within the Mexica hall. The museum spans over 20 exhibition rooms arranged chronologically and geographically. It serves as the primary repository for the nation's historical and anthropological heritage.

Insider tips

• Start with the Mexica hall to understand the central narrative of the Aztec empire before exploring others.

• Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes as the museum floor space covers over 30,000 square meters.

• Check the map upon entry to prioritize specific cultural halls, as it is physically impossible to view every item in a single visit.