10 Best Museums in Mérida
Where to Discover Mérida's History, Art and Culture?
The best museums in Mérida are home to some of the greatest artworks and artefacts in all of the Americas. This capital city of Mexico’s Yucatán state boasts ancient Mayan and colonial roots that are richly reflected in its range of attractions. You’ll find treasures from elaborate rococo furniture and carved indigenous effigies to giant contemporary sculptures and intricately woven textiles.
Visitors flock to ‘The White City’ to admire objects unearthed at Chichén Itzá and to take in flamboyantly painted folk art in restored historic mansions. Whether you’re a family on holiday or a honeymooning couple, Mérida’s museums are awaiting your discovery.
1. Mayan World Museum of Mérida
Artefacts from an ancient civilisation
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas
Home to a permanent collection of more than 1000 artefacts, the Mayan World Museum of Mérida is a cornerstone of cultural life. Situated just north of the Centro district, the venue’s contemporary design was inspired by the flowering ceiba tree, a plant revered by the ancient Mayans.
Inside, discover a wealth of curiosities from the Yucatan Peninsula including a wooden carving of a feathered serpent, a Virgin Mary Catholic devotion, an incense burner that’s shaped like a corn god and several anthropomorphic clay figurines. Afterwards, stop by the cafe, which is located on the second floor, for a tasty snack and a refreshing drink.
Localização: C. 60 299 E, Unidad Revolución, 97110 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Wednesday–Monday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Telefone: +52 999 341 0435
Mayan World Museum of Mérida
2. Casa de Montejo
For all-things art and architecture
Ideal para: Casais, História, Econômico
Casa de Montejo is a rustic but fully restored 16th century house that has been transformed into a free museum in recent years. Situated on the south side of Plaza Grande, this stately relic boasts a superb façade with statues of victorious conquistadors, as well as the former Captain General of Yucatán, Francisco de Montejo.
Marvel at the manor’s sumptuous interiors that are decorated with Victorian, neo-renaissance and neo-rococo furnishings, before crossing the exhibition halls to see an array of exquisite artworks. Don’t forget to take photos of the Spanish Plateresque-style frontage before you leave as it’s one of only a few in all the Americas.
Localização: C. 63 506, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +52 999 253 6732
Casa de Montejo
3. Museum of the City of Merida
A remarkable array of relics
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas, Alimentação
Set in Mérida’s former Federal Post Office Palace, the Museum of the City of Merida is instantly recognisable thanks to its 2 glamorous palm trees that frame the blush-pink entrance. Here, you’ll be enthralled by permanent collections that feature pre-Hispanic Mayan, colonial and contemporary artefacts, as well as a few thought-provoking temporary exhibits.
Gaze at clay vessels with zoomorphic engravings, colonial-era weaponry and pieces that reflect Mérida’s evolution into a modern Mexican city. When you’re feeling peckish, stop at the nearby Salón Gallos restaurant for a fabulous meal. Try the quail and venison tacos and the Mayan octopus ceviche.
Localização: C. 56 529A, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Tuesday–Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +52 999 924 4264
Museum of the City of Merida
4. Merida Museum of Contemporary Art (MACAY)
Modern exhibitions in a former archbishop’s palace
Ideal para: Casais, História, Econômico
The Merida Museum of Contemporary Art (MACAY) is a vast gallery space that receives over 72,000 visitors annually. Set in the 16th century Ateneo Peninsular building, MACAY rotates 15 rooms of exhibitions every 3 months, which allows it to display a remarkable number of pieces by modern Mexican artists.
Situated in the bustling heart of Mérida, the museum also shines a bright spotlight on Realist and Ruptura artists like Fernando Castro Pacheco, Fernando García Ponce and Gabriel Ramírez Aznar in its permanent Yucatecan collection. Afterwards, cross the tree-lined plaza to visit Sorbetería Colón for a cup of coffee and a refreshing ice cream.
Localização: Ex Ateneo Peninsular, C. 60 502B-altos, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +52 999 928 0006
Merida Museum of Contemporary Art (MACAY)
5. Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy
A feast for the senses
Ideal para: História, Alimentação
Don’t be fooled, the Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy might be a restaurant, but it showcases the history of the region through its indelible cuisine. Discover the origins of pre-Hispanic, Creole and Mestizo dishes at a riveting exhibit before entering a replica Mayan village to learn about ancient cooking techniques.
Reserve a table in the restaurant’s beautiful central courtyard and enjoy authentic Yucatecan fare such as lime soup, stuffed squash, caramelised papaya and cochinita pibil (Mayan slow-roasted pork that’s marinated in citrus juice). Finish the evening with a round of spicy habanero Margaritas and a bowl of caballero pobre (a type of bread pudding that’s drizzled with syrup).
Localização: C. 62 466 x 55-y 57, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday from 11 am to 12 am, Saturday from 9 am to 12 am, Sunday from 9 am to 11 pm
Telefone: +52 999 518 1645
Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy
6. Anthropology and History Museum
Mansion dedicated to Mayan history
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas
Mérida’s Anthropology and History Museum is housed in the yellow-hued Cantón Palace, which features architectural characteristics belonging to the Beaux Arts movement. Today, this refurbished residence showcases an impressive array of Mayan-themed collections, as well as temporary exhibits which rotate throughout the year.
Visitors particularly love the Mayan sculpture and pottery displays, as well as the exhibits designed for children. If you don’t speak Spanish, English translations are available from a QR code at the entrance. Conveniently situated in the city’s Centro district, AHM is within walking distance of trendy ‘Culinary Row’ eateries for when you’re in need of a bite to eat.
Localização: C. 43 481, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +52 999 928 6719
Anthropology and History Museum
7. Palace of Mexican Music
Paying homage to Mexico’s melodies
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas, Alimentação
The Palacio de la Música (Palace of Mexican Music) is Mérida’s most iconic feat of contemporary architecture. This eye-popping building houses an acoustically impressive concert hall, a sprawling archive from the National Record and Music Library and an interactive museum that aims to preserve traditional and popular music that’s found throughout Mexico.
Boasting impressive technological resources, this immersive space allows visitors to listen to the country’s rich musical history across multiple genres, composers and performers. Feeling hungry? Visit the nearby La Chaya Maya restaurant that dishes up delicious Yucatecan cuisine while Café La Habana serves delectable cakes and coffee.
Localização: C. 58, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Telefone: +52 999 923 0641
Palace of Mexican Music
8. Hacienda Yaxcopoil and Museum
A haven of Yucatan history
Ideal para: História, Foto, Viagens alternativas
Conveniently located an hour’s drive from Merida, Hacienda Yaxcopoil is a Yucatan Peninsula plantation that dates back to the 17th century. Meaning “the place of the green alamo trees” in the Mayan language, this remarkable relic pays homage to three of the region’s greatest eras: pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial and the henequen cultivation boom years.
Featuring visually arresting architecture (including a Moorish double arch), a sumptuous interior festooned with oil paintings and rare antiques, and a lush garden filled with exotic plants, Hacienda Yaxcopoil invites visitors into its Mayan Museum to gaze at ancient ceramics and archaeological treasures. In the grounds, check out numerous unexcavated pyramids with heights that vary from 6 to 20 metres.
Localização: Carretera Federal 261, Calle 21 No.500-Kilómetro 220, 97396 Yaxcopoil, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm (closed on Sunday)
Telefone: +52 999-900-1193
Hacienda Yaxcopoil and Museum
9. Pasaje de La Revolución
Strolling amongst the sculptures
Ideal para: História, Alimentação
Sandwiched between the Catedral de Mérida and the MACAY museum, Pasaje de La Revolución is a famed city walkway that features revolving sculpture exhibits under a curvaceous glass roof. Every day, more than 6,000 people wander this beautiful passage to gaze at pieces by Mexican and international artists. What’s even better is it’s 100% free.
Once you’ve passed under this elegant canopy, head to the nearby Matilda Salon Mexicano restaurant for authentic local cuisine. Brave foodies can try the grasshopper sopes (a thick corn tortilla with pinched-up sides) or settle for a less daunting option like the delicious tuna carnitas.
Localização: C. 58 508, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: 24/7
Telefone: +52 999 928 3258
Pasaje de La Revolución
10. Museo de la Luz
An interactive and immersive science museum
Ideal para: Famílias, Viagens alternativas
If you’re looking for museum with a wow effect, head to the Museo de la Luz (Museum of light) in the city centre. The exhibitions delve into the mysteries of colour and light and explore its physical, psychological, technological and cultural nature. You’ll learn about the importance of light in physics, fine arts, biology and humanities in a holistic and playful way.
To guarantee an enjoyable experience for all visitors, entry to some exhibitions is in groups of 6 to 8 people every 15 minutes. And you might be asked to leave your phone, watch and any other device emitting light into a locker. To secure your spot to tour this fun and popular museum, book your visit in advance.
Localização: C. 50 419B, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)
Museo de la Luz
Este artigo inclui opiniões da equipe editorial dos Go Guides. A Hoteis.com remunera os autores dos textos publicados neste site, o que pode incluir custos de viagens e outras despesas.