Museo Nacional de Antropología★★★
Av. Paseo de la Reforma, Chapultepec
Di–So 9:00–19:00 Uhr, Mo geschlossen
85 MXN (ca. 4,50€), So kostenlos für Mexikaner
The National Anthropological Museum is not only Mexico's most important museum — it is one of the best museums in the world. Opened in 1964, it houses the most comprehensive collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts from Mesoamerica.
The building itself is a masterpiece: A giant umbrella canopy ("Paraguas") supported by a single column over the central courtyard, designed by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez.
The Most Important Halls
- Sala Mexica (Aztecs): The main hall with the famous Sun Stone (Piedra del Sol), the 24-ton basalt disc often mistakenly called the "Aztec Calendar." The highlight of the museum.
- Sala Maya: Jade death mask of Pakal from Palenque (replica), stelae from Yaxchilán, murals from Bonampak. Fascinating.
- Sala Oaxaca: Zapotec and Mixtec treasures from Monte Albán, including golden burial offerings.
- Sala Olmeca: The enigmatic Olmec colossal heads (up to 3 m high, up to 50 tons) — the oldest high culture of Mesoamerica.
- Sala Teotihuacán: Models and finds from the mysterious pyramid city.
💡 Tipp
The museum is huge — you can't possibly see everything in one day. Focus on 3–4 halls. The Mexica (Aztec), Maya, and Oaxaca halls are the absolute highlights.
