The National Museum of Anthropology
One of the great museums of the world - a magnificent showcase of Mexico's ancient civilisations, from the Aztec Sun Stone to colossal Olmec heads, in Mexico City's Chapultepec Park.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the great museums of the world, a magnificent showcase of Mexico's pre-Hispanic civilisations set around a courtyard with a vast, iconic hovering canopy in Chapultepec Park. Its halls hold the treasures of the Aztec, Maya, Olmec and other cultures, from the famous Aztec Sun Stone and colossal Olmec heads to jade masks and reconstructed temples, an unrivalled window into ancient Mexico.
What you actually see
- The Aztec Sun Stone - the famous carved calendar stone.
- The Olmec heads - the colossal ancient stone heads.
- The Maya hall - the treasures and tomb of Pakal from Palenque.
- The great canopy - the iconic hovering roof over the courtyard.
When to go
Year-round; a fully indoor museum, ideal in any weather, and worth at least half a day. It is enormous, so focus on the highlight halls, and go early or on a weekday to avoid the busiest times.
Honest expectations
It is vast, so trying to see every hall is exhausting; pick the great cultures and highlights. Labelling is heavily in Spanish, so an audio guide or English guide helps. It is deservedly popular and busy, especially on the free-entry days for residents.
Nearby
Chapultepec Park, its castle and the city's historic centre are close.
What to pack for The National Museum of Anthropology
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
