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Everything you need to know before you visit the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City

Museum of Anthropology | Visitor information at a glance

What are the Museum of Anthropology opening hours?

The Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is open from 9am to 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays, giving the galleries a day of rest and maintenance. The last entry is allowed at 7pm, but to truly experience the museum without rushing, aim to arrive before 5pm.

Where is the Museum of Anthropology located?

The Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is open from 9am to 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays, giving the galleries a day of rest and maintenance. The last entry is allowed at 7pm, but to truly experience the museum without rushing, aim to arrive before 5pm.

How many people visit the museum each year?

The Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is open from 9am to 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays, giving the galleries a day of rest and maintenance. The last entry is allowed at 7pm, but to truly experience the museum without rushing, aim to arrive before 5pm.

About the Museum of Anthropology

The Museo Nacional de Antropología is more than a building — it's a gateway to the many civilizations that once flourished across Mexico. From towering Aztec stones to delicate Mayan carvings, every gallery tells stories that go back thousands of years. It is widely considered one of the best places to visit in Mexico City, not only for its vast collection but for how intimately it connects you to the roots of Mexican identity.

Best time to visit the Museum of Anthropology

If you want the museum at its quietest, weekday mornings are your best bet. By arriving early, you’ll avoid school groups and tour crowds, giving you space to linger inside the dimly lit halls of the Aztec and Maya rooms — some of the most visited galleries in the museum. Avoid weekends if you're sensitive to crowds, as it's a popular stop for both tourists and locals. While the museum is open year-round, Mexico City’s dry season (November to April) makes for a more pleasant walk through Chapultepec Park, which leads to the museum.

Getting to the Museum of Anthropology

Reaching the Museum of Anthropology Mexico City is straightforward, thanks to its central location inside Bosque de Chapultepec. Whether you’re using public transit, a rideshare, or walking from a nearby attraction, here’s exactly how to get there.

The closest station is Chapultepec Station on Line 1 (Pink Line). Once you get off:

  • Exit via Salidas A or B, both marked as exits to Av. Chapultepec/Calzada Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Walk northeast through the park for approximately 850 meters (about 10–12 minutes).

Follow signs for “Museo Nacional de Antropología.” The museum is located just past the Tamayo Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, near the intersection of Avenida Paseo de la Reforma and Calzada Gandhi.

📝 Pro tip: The park can get crowded after 11am on weekends, so if you want a quiet stroll, try arriving before 10am.

If you're using surface transport:

  • Metrobus Line 7 (Red Double-Decker): Get off at Auditorio Station, then walk south along Calzada Mahatma Gandhi for 10 minutes. This is the most direct Metrobus route.
  • Public Bus Routes: Buses along Paseo de la Reforma (e.g., Routes 7-A, 76, or RTP 200) stop near Gandhi Street. Look for stops labeled Museo de Antropología or Gandhi/Reforma.

📝 Pro tip: Metrobus requires a prepaid card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada), which you can buy and reload at any major Metro station.

The museum can be accessed via Calzada Gandhi, a tree-lined road branching off Avenida Reforma.

  • Main drop-off point: Entrance on Gandhi Street, right in front of the flag-lined plaza.
  • If using Uber or a local taxi app, enter "Museo Nacional de Antropología" as the destination. Make sure the pin drops at the front entrance, not the rear service gate.
Getting to Anthropology Museum

There’s no dedicated parking lot for the museum itself, but these nearby options are frequently used by locals and tour groups:

  • Estacionamiento del Zoológico de Chapultepec (10-min walk)
  • Parking under Auditorio Nacional (safe and covered, about 12-min walk)
  • Street parking on Calzada Mahatma Gandhi is possible but fills up by 10am

📝 Driving tip: Avoid weekday mornings (8am–10am) and late afternoons (5pm–7pm) due to Reforma’s heavy commuter traffic. Use Waze or Google Maps live traffic for real-time rerouting on the park roads.

More places to visit near the Museum of Anthropology

If you're planning to visit the Museum of Anthropology, you're already in the cultural heart of Mexico City. Whether you're here for the day or crafting a full itinerary, these iconic spots nearby offer history, art, and architecture that round out your experience beautifully.

Chapultepec Castle

  • Distance: 1.4 km | Walking time: 18–20 mins
  • How to get there: Exit the museum and head west through Bosque de Chapultepec, following signs toward the hill. It’s an uphill walk, but scenic.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm. Closed Mondays.
  • Why visit: This is Latin America’s only royal castle and a key stop on many Museum of Anthropology guided tours. Inside, you’ll find imperial halls, sweeping city views, and murals chronicling Mexico’s revolutionary history.

Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)

  • Distance: 11 km | By car/Uber: ~30 mins | By metro: ~45 mins (Line 3 to Coyoacán)
  • How to get there: Take Line 1 (Pink) to Centro Médico, transfer to Line 3 (Olive), get off at Coyoacán Station, and walk 10 mins.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm. Closed Mondays.
  • Why visit: The artist’s home turned museum is filled with her paintings, personal belongings, and haunting beauty. Booking in advance is essential due to high demand.

Templo Mayor Museum

  • Distance: 5.3 km | By car/Uber: ~15 mins | By metro: 25 mins (Line 2 to Zócalo)
  • How to get there: Metro Line 1 to Pino Suárez, transfer to Line 2, get off at Zócalo station. The museum is right behind the Metropolitan Cathedral.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am – 5pm.
  • Why visit: This is the site of the original Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. You’ll walk among temple ruins and then step inside to view recovered artifacts. It’s a stark, unfiltered glimpse into life before the Spanish arrived.

Teotihuacan Pyramids

  • Distance: 50 km | By car: ~1 hour | Best option: Join a guided tour from Mexico City
  • How to get there: Most visitors opt for round-trip transportation via a Teotihuacan guided tour, which often includes pick-up from central points. DIY? Buses leave from Terminal Norte (Gate 8) every 30 mins.
  • Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 5pm
  • Why visit: Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun or exploring the Temple of the Feathered Serpent is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to connect with Mexico’s ancient civilizations. It pairs beautifully with a morning at the Museum of Anthropology for context.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

  • Distance: 14.5 km | By Uber: ~30 mins | By metro: ~40 mins (Line 6 to La Villa-Basílica)
  • How to get there: Metro Line 6 to La Villa-Basílica, walk 10 mins.
  • Opening hours: Daily, 6am – 9pm
  • Why visit: This is one of the most visited religious sites in the world, home to the iconic image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The modern basilica stands beside the original 16th-century church, both of which are open to visitors.
Visit Teotihuacan Tours

Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)

  • Distance: 5 km | By car/Uber: ~15 mins | By metro: ~25 mins (Line 1 to Bellas Artes)
  • How to get there: Metro Line 1 to Bellas Artes Station. The palace is directly above the station.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
  • Why visit: Known for its Tiffany glass curtain and Diego Rivera murals, this is the crown jewel of art and performance in Mexico City. If you can catch a performance by the Ballet Folklórico, don’t hesitate.

Quick tips for visiting the Museum of Anthropology

  • Avoid Mondays: The museum is closed every Monday. Plan your visit any other day between 9am and 8pm.
  • Arrive before 11am: This is when the galleries are quietest. Post-noon hours tend to get crowded, especially on weekends.
  • Buy tickets in advance: Entry is affordable, but lines can be long. Book Museum of Anthropology Mexico City tickets online to save time.
  • Sundays are free (for locals): Mexican residents with a valid ID enter for free on Sundays. Expect heavy footfall.
  • Skip the backpack: Large bags aren't allowed inside. Free lockers are available near the entrance.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: The museum spans 23 permanent exhibition halls and a large courtyard. You’ll walk a lot.
  • Don’t miss the Aztec Sun Stone: It’s the most visited gallery. Go early or late to get space around it.
  • No flash photography: You can take photos, but tripods, flashes, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
  • Audio guides are worth it: If you're exploring solo, rent one at the entrance or download the app version.
  • Combine with Chapultepec Castle: It's walkable (20 mins uphill), and both visits pair well in one day.
  • Eat beforehand or after: The on-site cafeteria is fine for a snack, but better food is available in Polanco, a short walk away.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Museum of Anthropology

How long should I spend at the Museum of Anthropology Mexico City?

If you're short on time, 2 hours covers the highlights. To explore at a relaxed pace — especially the Aztec and Maya halls — budget 3 to 4 hours.

Is there a guided tour available inside the museum?

Yes. You can book guided tours of the National Museum of Anthropology Mexico City in English or Spanish. They're usually 90 minutes and cover the most important rooms. Audio guides are also available for solo visits.

Can I visit the Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle on the same day?

Absolutely. They’re located within the same park, about 20 minutes apart by foot. Start with the museum in the morning, then head uphill to the castle by noon.

What’s the best way to get to the museum using public transport?

Take Metro Line 1 to Chapultepec Station, then walk through the park for 10–12 minutes. Or take Metrobus Line 7 to Auditorio, and walk south on Calzada Gandhi.

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