A relative newcomer to a city with an abundance of museums (having opened in 2006) the Museo de Arts Popular wears a number of proverbial hats. A folk art museum, it houses eye-poppingly beautiful handicrafts from across Mexico, while simultaneously covering the country’s history and its many cultures. Exhibits are arranged thematically on each of the museum’s three levels and include ferocious masks from Chiapas, lovely glasswork from Tecali, pottery from Michoacan, and alebrijes, the very colorful, meticulously painted animal figures from Oaxaca. The origin and history of each of these crafts, as well as the role they continue to play in Mexican celebrations and customs, is explained in relative depth, in both Spanish and English. The museum store, not surprisingly, is a great place to find quality handicrafts. Before you head inside, take a gander at the classic 1920s Art Deco building that holds the museum—it was the former headquarters of the fire department.
Mexico City
Travel Guide
Mexico City› Attraction
Museo de Arte Popular
Revillagigedo 11
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Historic center, just across Alameda Park from the Franz Mayer Museum and the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)
Hours
Tues and Thurs–Sun 10am–6pm, Wed 10am–9pm
Transportation
Metro: Bellas Artes
Phone
55/5510-2201
Prices
M$40, free on Sun
Web site
Museo de Arte Popular
Map
Revillagigedo 11 Mexico CityNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.