Mexico City’s museums encompass everything from art galleries of acclaimed artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to archaeological finds and an anthropological museum, MIDE (National Institute of Development & Economic Integration). Additionally, kids will love learning about Mexico City’s economy at MIDE museum – plus, you may get lucky enough to visit one of its interactive exhibits!
Leon Trotsky’s exiled home of Casa Gilardi can also provide visitors with architecture eye candy.
Museo Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is revered worldwide as an artist known for her captivating self-portraits and paintings depicting her turbulent and dramatic life. These vibrant works come to life at the Museo Frida Kahlo or “Casa Azul House Museum and Blue House”, also known as an artistic legacy museum.
The museum is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all kinds, allowing you to walk inside Kahlo’s home and experience her world up-close. Not only can you visit her eponymous gallery spaces but you can also explore kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms that were her own; in these areas can also be found personal trinkets like crutches, wheelchairs, corsets, beauty products as well as paintings by Diego Rivera that once resided within his personal collection!
Although the museum reflects some of Kahlo’s pain and suffering during her short life, its main objective is to celebrate her work and its significance within the arts world. Furthermore, it perpetuates “Fridamania”, which began upon her passing and still continues today.
Mexico City’s National Museum is an absolute must for visitors. However, it can get very crowded during weekend visits; to avoid lines at the ticket booth and head straight to entrance, buy online tickets in advance – buying them also grants free admission to Museo Anahuacalli just blocks away in Coyoacan borough – making for an enjoyable and educational day in Mexico City.
Museo de Arte Popular
Mexico City’s only folk art museum opened its doors for business in 2006 and quickly made an impactful statement about Mexican culture through handicrafts and the importance of handicrafts to Mexican life. Furthermore, this establishment promotes its artisans while upholding traditions with workshops for both children and adults.
Museum of Popular Art is housed in an historic former firehouse and showcases an extensive collection of Mexican craftwork. A great place to gain an appreciation of its cultural significance and history, from embroidery and wood carving to ceramics, papier mache and leather work – from permanent galleries organized into categories like Pottery, Alfenique or Plant Fibers Toys Cereria Clay Works Wood Engraving Masks etc… as well as non-permanent exhibits that focus on particular aspects of its extensive collection.
Brunyfire found herself entranced by an array of colorful, psychedelic animal sculptures called alebrijes that covered an entire wall in Oaxaca’s main atrium. These colorful, whimsically painted animals were so beloved in Oaxaca that artisans regularly parade them during annual Day of the Dead celebrations in town. Additionally, one gallery presented collaborative wall pieces by both contemporary artists and traditional artisans.
Visit this museum and you’ll see local women embroider their beautiful huipiles–long white tunics woven of fabric adorned with intricate and colorful designs–while also learning traditional methods for producing ceramics and jewelry. Don’t miss visiting its gift shop as well; run by artisans themselves who also manage the museum itself, you’ll likely find items there at more reasonable prices than those sold by big tourist shops in Mexico City.
Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporaneo
Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporaneo in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park stands out among Mexico City museums by providing cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions and engaging events, giving visitors a memorable art experience. It is one of Mexico City’s best museums dedicated to contemporary art. With provocative exhibitions and dynamic programs like ThinkTank Mexico City – offering visitors an unforgettable art experience.
Rufino Tamayo created this museum to house his vast international modern art collection in 1981. Uniquely, the building of this museum with private funds made it one of Mexico’s first major private establishments and today falls under the administration of INBA (Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes).
Teodoro Gonzalez de Leon and Abraham Zabludovsky designed this museum, featuring its low-slung design with natural tones to blend in seamlessly with its forest surroundings. Furthermore, its transparent interior creates an illusion of space and light that makes this an inviting space dedicated to exhibiting both international modern art as well as Mexican contemporary artists.
The collection boasts works by internationally-recognized artists like Picasso, Rene Magritte and Joan Miro as well as several iconic masterpieces of Mexican painting. The museum strives to explore modern art development in Mexico through an innovative and exciting program.
Many of the artworks on display draw their inspiration from Mexico’s complex social dynamics; others take an autobiographical turn. Miguel Calderon’s Taximeter explores personal experiences within Mexico’s violent society by depicting aftereffects from a taxi ride from Mexico City to San Diego.
The museum hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, such as workshops and lectures. Its well-curated exhibitions draw local and international visitors alike; typically this crowd consists of both tourists and art enthusiasts, though sometimes families with young children also visit.
Museo Jumex
Museo Jumex offers a more measured approach to contemporary art than many Mexican museums, designed by British architect David Chipperfield and built in 2013 as one of the largest collections in Latin America. Its plain exterior has become instantly iconic with its sawtooth roof becoming an instant landmark in Mexico City’s Nueva Polanco district.
The Coleccion Jumex collection comprises over 2000 works by modern artists. This imposing space features rooms with 15-meter tall ceilings adorned with concrete walls and white travertine flooring; top floor galleries enjoy abundant natural lighting thanks to a sawtooth profile roof.
The museum emphasizes the relationship between art and its context, creating dialogue through educational programs and publications with its public. Furthermore, its commitment to diversity of art forms and genres can be seen through an annual program of exhibitions and publications by such notable artists as John Baldessari, Lina Bo Bardi, Ulises Carrion Abraham Cruzvillegas Xavier Le Roy Daniel Guzman Michael Lin Gertrud Goldschmidt (Gego), Fred Sandback and Lari Pittman is evident through this commitment.
The museum hosts numerous public programs, such as its popular Jumex Lecture Series. Each year this lecture series brings together scholars and curators to discuss current exhibitions as well as recent research findings at the museum, with free admission for everyone attending these talks.