The building was the site of the Battle of Churubusco, where the Saint Patrick's Battalion, a group of Irish deserters from the U.S. Army, fought alongside Mexican forces.
The site originally functioned as a convent for the Dieguinos, a branch of the Franciscan order, established in 1678.
The museum contains an original flag belonging to the Saint Patrick's Battalion, one of the few surviving artifacts of the unit.
Bullet holes from the 1847 battle are still visible on the exterior walls of the building.
The museum is officially known as the Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones under the administration of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
The National Museum of Interventions is located in the 17th-century ex-convent of Churubusco, a site that served as a critical battlefield during the 1847 U.S.-Mexican War. The museum documents the history of foreign interventions in Mexico, ranging from the Spanish conquest to the 20th century. Exhibits include weaponry, uniforms, maps, and personal artifacts from the Mexican-American War and the French Intervention. The building itself retains architectural elements from the former Franciscan convent, including the cloister and chapel. It serves as a study center for Mexican history and international diplomacy. The museum features a permanent collection focused on the nation's struggle for sovereignty against multiple international powers. Visitors can explore the remnants of the defensive fortifications used during the Battle of Churubusco.
The central cloister garden, which offers a symmetrical view of the colonial arches and the garden's greenery.
Prioritize the rooms dedicated to the 19th-century battles, as they contain the most significant historical artifacts.
Walk through the cloister garden to view the preservation of the colonial-era architecture.
Check for temporary photography exhibitions, which are often held in the outer hallways.
Do not mistake the museum for a standard art gallery; it is a specialized history site, so focus on the historical narratives rather than aesthetic displays.
Closed on Mondays.
