Mexico City Museums

Mexico City has more than 170 museums — more than any other city in Latin America and in the global top 5 by museum density. And most are free or very accessible.

The reason: the Mexican government has historically subsidized culture as public policy. The result is democratic access to one of the world's most important archaeological collections.

Mexico's most visited museum and one of the world's most important. Collection of 600,000 archaeological pieces, including the Sun Stone (Aztec Calendar), the Maya Room with Pakal's tomb, and unique Olmec pieces.

Practical: Located in Bosque de Chapultepec. Metro Auditorio or Chapultepec. Tuesday-Sunday 9am-7pm. Entry $85 MXN (free Sundays for Mexicans). Plan at least 3 hours.

The only castle in North America that served as residence of emperors (Maximilian and Carlota) and Mexican presidents. The panoramic city views from the hill are spectacular.

Today it's the National History Museum with collections from the Conquest to the Revolution. The restored imperial rooms are fascinating. Entry $75 MXN. Closed Mondays.

The house where Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died in Coyoacán. One of Mexico City's most intimate experiences: her studio with unfinished paintings, her bed with a mirror on the ceiling, her Mexican folk art collection.

Important: Tickets sell out weeks in advance. ALWAYS buy online at museofridakahlo.org.mx. Punctual arrival mandatory. Tuesday-Sunday. ~$250 MXN.

Museo Soumaya — Carlos Slim's collection: 66,000 pieces including Rodin, Dalí and Mexican art. Always free in Polanco.

Museo del Templo Mayor — Aztec temple ruins in the Historic Center, next to the Cathedral. Unmatched archaeological context. $80 MXN (free Sundays).

Palacio de Bellas Artes — Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros murals. The art nouveau building is itself a work of art. Lobby access free.

MUNAL (National Art Museum) — Mexican art from 16th to 20th century. Facing the Alameda. Free Sundays.

Day 1 — Chapultepec: Morning at the Anthropology Museum (3h), afternoon at Chapultepec Castle (2h). Dinner in Polanco.

Day 2 — Center and Coyoacán: Morning at Bellas Artes + Templo Mayor (3h), afternoon at Frida Kahlo's Blue House (book ahead, 1.5h). Return through Coyoacán markets.