The Anthropology Museum of Mexico

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Truly impressive, the Anthropology Museum of Mexico celebrated in 2014, fifty years of existence. It is a valuable work of architecture, with an extensive sampling of Pre-Hispanic pieces belonging to Mesoamerican cultures.

The National Museum of Anthropology and History (which is its full name) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and functional museums in the world. Located on Reforma Avenue, in front of Chapultepec Park, it extends for some eighty thousand square meters, safeguarded by a giant statue of the god Tlaloc.

It houses a valuable heritage from Mesoamerican civilizations of the past. This gathering of materials and the space which showcases them, convey multiple impressions to the visitor

From its creation in 1964, it was conceived as an expression of contemporary architectural style, integrating lines characteristic of Pre-Hispanic cultures

The intention of the building to integrate with its natural surroundings can be seen in this construction that exhibits generous spaces with the use of natural textures such as: stone, steel, concrete, glass and wood. An important contribution to the space is the pictorial works of recognized artists

The building has an upper level and a lower level. At the entrance hall, there is an introductory hall, an area for temporary exhibits, as well as an auditorium, an information desk, a wardrobe and a visitors’ shop. Beyond the glass that surrounds the vestibule, a central patio with two side exits and a direct access to the exhibit galleries can be found.

Each gallery displays one theme: Introduction to Anthropology, Mesoamerica, American Origins, Preclassic Cultures of Central Mexico, the Teotihuacan, Toltec, Mexica, Zapotec, Mixtec, Gulf Coast, and Maya cultures, as well as cultures from the northern and western regions of Mexico.

The galleries on the upper floors exhibit interesting ethnographic objects of Mexico’s contemporary cultures: Cora, Huichol, Raramuri, Purepecha, Mixtec, and Maya. There is also a library with a reading room and a small auditorium.

 

Besides experiencing the diversity of thousands of objects in a variety of narrative sequences, the galleries highlight a richness of environments, as well as a flexibility of transitioning between interior and exterior spaces.

Beyond their physical presence, it is possible to perceive the seduction each object exerts on the visitor. In the vast gardens, in addition to a reproduction of the base of a pyramid, there are exact reproductions of tombs and spiritual enclosures.

In the central courtyard, visitors can admire the impressive giant umbrella supported by a cylindrical stone, which has become the symbol of the museum

Visit the Anthropology Museum on Av. Paseo de la Reforma y calzada Gandhi s/n, Chapultepec-Polanco, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560, ciudad de México.Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 – 19:00 hrs year round.