Museums and galleries in Mérida

Museums and galleries in Mérida

1. See

   Casa Frederick Catherwood

   In the 1840s English architect and artist Frederick Catherwood joined American explorer John Lloyd Stephens on an expedition across the Yucatán and Central America in search of Mayan ruins. In addition to illustrating Stephens' subsequently published travel journal, Catherwood published a collection of his remarkable lithographs in an edition of 300. Casa Catherwood does not have a direct historic connection with the artist, but does have the only complete collection of his lithographs on display in Mexico, located in a gallery on the upper floor. The building also houses a bed and breakfast and café.

   Mon-Sat 09:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00·M$50 (lithograph collection)

2. See

   Casa Manzanero

   Small modern museum chronicling the life and works of composer Armando Manzanero, known for his bolero works. Fun interactive exhibits include an opportunity to play a marimba and a karaoke room where you can go in and sing along with the maestro. Outdoor patio bar on site.

   Daily 10:00-20:00·M$58

3. Do

   Dzibilchaltún

   The site has been continuously occupied for thousands of years. Its most famous structure is the Temple Of The Seven Dolls (El Templo de las Siete Muñecas), so named because of seven small effigies found at the site when the temple was discovered under the ruins of a later temple pyramid by archaeologists in the 1950s. On the spring equinox the sun rises so that it shines directly through one window of the temple and out the other. The temple is connected to the rest of the site by a long sacbé. The other major feature of Dzibilchaltún is its cenote, which is used as a swimming hole by local residents year round; it is the first stop on the Ruta de los Cenotes. Also on the site are the ruins of a 16th-century Spanish church, as well as a museum displaying Mayan artifacts from the site and the region.

   Daily 08:00-17:00 (site), Tue-Sun 09:00-16:00 (museum)·M$68 (adults), M$39 (Mexican adults, non-Mexican children under 12)

4. See

   Galería Mérida

   The largest private art gallery in Mérida, this gallery showcases local Yucatecan artists with rotating exhibits.

   Tue-Fri 10:00-12:00 14:30-17:30

5. See

   Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

   Opened in 2012 and located in a building clearly inspired by the Beijing National Stadium (aka 'Bird's Nest'), the museum has a large permanent collection of Mayan artifacts as well as a number of interactive exhibits.

   Wed-Mon 08:00-17:00·M$150 (foreign nationals), M$100 (Mexicans/residents), M$25 (children/students/seniors)

6. Do

   Hacienda Yaxcopoil

   Another good example of a hacienda kept in a state of arrested decay as a museum.

   Mon-Sat 08:00-18:00, Sun 09:00-17:00; by appt·M$75 (adults), free (children)

7. See

   Museo Regional de Antropología

   Palacio Cantón

   The regional archaeology museum is housed in one of the grandest mansions from Mérida's boom time, showcasing ancient Maya artworks and artifacts, as well as temporary exhibits. Completed in 1914, the building originally served as the governor's mansion and is worth seeing in its own right.

   Tue-Sun 08:00-17:00; last admission at 16:40·M$48 (adults), free (students/children/seniors/disabled/children under 13); free admission on Su for Mexican nationals and foreign residents

8. See

   Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Arteneo de Yucatán

   MACAY

   Housed in the former bishop's palace, this museum has a permanent collection of sculptures and paintings by the most well-known artists from the state of Yucatán. Rotating exhibits of work by local artists are also on display.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·Free

9. See

   Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán

   Casa Molina

   Housed in an early 20th-century mansion, this museum showcases folk art, textiles, and household objects from Yucatán and across Mexico, with a permanent collection and rotating special exhibits. Highlights includes masks from the states of Guerrero, Morelos, and Oaxaca. There is also a small gift shop.

   Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-15:00·Free

10. See

    Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida

    The Museum of the City of Mérida provides more evidence of the city's long history and rich culture. Admission is free, with guides who speak Spanish, English, and French. The museum has a very interesting permanent exhibit, as well as changing art exhibits upstairs. An added bonus is that the museum is just across the street from Mérida's central market, Mercado Lucas de Galvéz.

    Tue-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat Sun 09:00-14:00·Free

11. See

    Museo de las Ferrocarilles en Yucatán

    Railroad Museum

    Rail buffs will love this mostly outdoor museum near the train station northeast of the Centro. Old locomotives and lots of quirky old rolling stock.

    Daily 10:00-14:00

12. See

    Nahualli Casa de los Artistas

    Owned and operated by two internationally-exhibited Mexican artists, this gallery also offers frequent workshops in painting and sculpture.

    Mon-Sat 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00

13. See

    Palacio de la Musica

    Large, modern museum opened in 2018. Chronicles the story of Mexican music from its roots in ancient Mesoamerican cultures through today's modern regional styles, which might include boleros, rancheros, banda as well as rock and reggaeton. There are exhibits about instruments, the recording industry, music from TV and movies, and more. The facility includes outdoor spaces that can be reserved for special events and a 450-seat concert hall.

    10:00-16:00, closed Mon,Tue

14. See

    Quinta Montes Molina

    Casa Museo

    Another of the Paseo's grandest old mansions is also a museum, still owned by the original family. 40-minute guided tours of the lavish interior can also be booked by appointment.

    English tours: Mon-Fri 09:00 11:00 15:00, Sat 09:00 11:00; Spanish tours Mon-Fri 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00, Sat 10:00 12:00·M$60 (adults), M$40 (children)

15. Do

    Teatro Peón Contreras

    The city's grand opera house. The current structure was designed by a visiting Italian architect and opened in 1908 during the height of the boom times, replacing a less opulent earlier theater of the same name; it is still the largest theater on the Yucatán peninsula. The theater is the center of Mérida's high culture and in 2011 was renovated with a new stage and updated air conditioning. If opera, symphonies, and ballets aren't to your taste, the building is still worth a look for the impressive architecture. There is also a sizable art gallery downstairs with changing exhibits. The theater was damaged by fire in November 2022, and is expected to be closed for renovations at least through mid-2023.

    Thu-Sat 09:00-18:00

16. See

    Museo de la Canción Yucateca

    This museum is dedicated to Yucatecan music and musicians.

    Tue-Fri 09:00-17:00, Sat Sun 09:00-15:00

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Mérida (CC BY-SA 4.0).