National Museum of Anthropology Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Mexico Tourism Board www.visitmexico.com
Museo Nacional de Antropologia which includes a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza
Museo Nacional de Antropologia showing a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
Museo Nacional de Antropologia which includes a square or plaza
Museo Nacional de Antropologia which includes a statue or sculpture


Find thousands of ancient artifacts, from Mayan tombstones to an Aztec calendar, at one of the world’s great archaeological museums. 

The National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) in Mexico City holds one of the largest archaeological collections in the world. See headdresses, tombs and reconstructed temples from the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Learn about Mexico’s pre-European life, as well as present-day indigenous culture. The museum has more than 20 exhibition rooms, so you can easily spend several hours here.  

Start on the ground floor, which contains nearly 8,000 archaeological artifacts from the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations of Aztec, Maya and Olmec. There are stone carvings of large heads from the Olmec civilization. The Maya room features traditional gravestones and a reconstructed temple with detailed murals. 

The museum’s most famous artifact is the Piedra del Sol, or the “Stone of the Sun.” This Aztec stone calendar dates back to the 1400s and was discovered under one of Mexico City’s main squares. The basalt stone is 12 feet (4 meters) wide, and weighs some 24 tons (21 tonnes). The detailed patterns of the engravings show a high level of artistry. Nearby, discover statues of Aztec goddesses as well as a small-scale model of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the area known today as Mexico City. 

The upstairs rooms of the museum offer insight into the present-day indigenous populations of Mexico. See how the descendants of the Aztecs and Mayans live today. Objects range from household tools to clothing, art and religious artifacts.

The National Museum of Anthropology is located in Chapultepec Park, just west of the city’s Historic Center. Metro and bus stops are nearby. 

The museum is open daily except Monday and there is an admission fee. Rent an audio guide from the ticket office, as not all of the exhibits have explanations in English. Walk to the nearby historic center afterwards for restaurants and cafés.

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Best Lodging Options Near National Museum of Anthropology

Camino Real Polanco Mexico

Camino Real Polanco Mexico

4.5 out of 5
Mariano Escobedo 700, Col Anzures, Mexico City, CDMX
Camino Real Polanco Mexico
InterContinental Presidente Mexico City by IHG

InterContinental Presidente Mexico City by IHG

4 out of 5
Campos Eliseos 218, Mexico City
InterContinental Presidente Mexico City by IHG
Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Hyatt Regency Mexico City

5 out of 5
Campos Eliseos No. 204 Polanco, Chapultepec, Mexico City
Hyatt Regency Mexico City
Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec

Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec

5 out of 5
Mariano Escobedo Av. #756 Col. Anzures, Mexico City, CDMX
Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec
UTOPIC Polanco by ULIV

UTOPIC Polanco by ULIV

4.5 out of 5
568 Calzada General Mariano Escobedo, Mexico City
UTOPIC Polanco by ULIV
Orchid House Polanco

Orchid House Polanco

4 out of 5
76 Campos Elíseos Polanco V Sección, Mexico City, CDMX
Orchid House Polanco
The Wild Oscar

The Wild Oscar

4 out of 5
Lamartine 516, Polanco, Mexico City
The Wild Oscar
Kukun Inspire Polanco

Kukun Inspire Polanco

4 out of 5
206 Avenida Homero, Mexico City
Kukun Inspire Polanco
Grand Polanco Residencial

Grand Polanco Residencial

4 out of 5
Isaac Newton 119, Colonia Chapultepec Morales, Mexico City, CDMX
Grand Polanco Residencial
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Museum of Anthropology

At the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of activities including shopping and live music. A notable highlight is the Binondo Crawl, where you can explore cultural heritage and indulge in delicious local cuisine. This unique experience allows tourists to immerse themselves in the rich history and lively atmosphere surrounding the museum, making for an unforgettable vacation.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping near the National Museum of Anthropology! Parque Delta, 4.8km away, offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Mercado de San Juan, also 4.8km away, is perfect for local goods. Cereria de Jesus, located 6.4km away, is a delightful store for unique finds.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Cuernavaca Country Club, mere 3.2km from the museum, surrounded by lush landscapes. Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Arena México, also 3.2km away, where you can catch exhilarating sports events. For a musical escape, head to Blackberry Auditorium, just 3.2km from your cultural adventure.

Adventure

Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, located 9.7km from the National Museum of Anthropology, offers thrilling motor racing experiences. For karting enthusiasts, K1 Speed Mexico Garden Santa Fe, 11.3km away, provides an adrenaline-packed racing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Amazing World Fun Center, 9.7km distant, features exciting adventure activities for all ages.

Nightlife

In Mexico City, Teatro Metropólitan offers a captivating blend of culture and romance, perfect for a night out just 4.8km away. For those feeling lucky, Casino Palace, also 4.8km away, provides a vibrant atmosphere. Nearby, Aztlán 360 promises thrilling amusement rides, just 1.6km from the museum.

Find the best attractions near National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, monuments, and art museums, making it a cultural haven for visitors. Families and city explorers alike can enjoy nearby attractions, including hotels close to the museum and the Museo Nacional. With a wealth of experiences to discover, your visit promises to be enriching and memorable.

  • Angel of Independence Monument: This iconic monument, located 1.6km from the National Museum of Anthropology, stands as a symbol of Mexican independence and culture. Surrounded by lush gardens, it provides a stunning backdrop for photos and a chance to soak in the local historical significance.
  • Paseo de la Reforma: A vibrant thoroughfare situated 3.2km away, Paseo de la Reforma is lined with impressive architecture, sculptures, and greenery. This bustling street is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering a taste of urban life in Mexico City.
  • World Trade Center Mexico City: Also located 3.2km from the museum, this striking skyscraper is a hub of business and commerce. Its observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city, making it a must-visit for any tourist.

Best time to go to National Museum of Anthropology

Visitor numbers around National Museum of Anthropology is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit National Museum of Anthropology is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
February61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
April67.6°F (19.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
May68.4°F (20.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
June65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August62.1°F (16.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November59.2°F (15.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
December58.5°F (14.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Museum of Anthropology

When visiting the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Zócalo, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Chapultepec Park. For budget-friendly accommodation, aim for the cheaper months of July to August and December, with Saturday being the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort prices from low to high for the best deals. Additionally, consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities to save even more on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Museum of Anthropology are July to August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Museum of Anthropology is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around National Museum of Anthropology is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the National Museum of Anthropology with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.