Mexico City is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. With a history that goes back thousands of years, the city has an incredible offer of museums and cultural spaces that reflect its heritage and diversity.

Hostel Barrio is located in the heart of Mexico City’s historic center, immersing visitors in the rich culture, art, and history the city has to offer. But where to begin? Here are the top museums and cultural spaces you can’t miss in the historic center, conveniently located near our hostel.

Foro Valparaíso
Located in the foundational building of the Banco Nacional de México, one of the most significant baroque constructions in the historic center, this cultural space of Citibanamex has an impressive collection of 117 works of art focused almost exclusively on Mexican artists.

The exhibition tells the story of Mexico, with works by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco, among others.

Website
Address: Venustiano Carranza #60, centro histórico.
Free entrance

Museo del Estanquillo
This museum exhibits Mexican writer Carlos Monsiváis’s personal collection, including paintings, photographs, toys, albums, calendars, advertising and books. The collection offers diverse perspectives on Mexico’s political, social and cultural life throughout its recent history.

The building that houses it, known as “Esmeralda”, was built in 1890 and has become an icon of the historic center. We recommend going up to the top floor, where there’s a terrace with a very particular view of the streets surrounding the museum.

Website
Address: Isabel la Católica #26, centro histórico.
Free entrance

Museo Mexicano del Diseño
Fundación MUMEDI A.C. was created to promote graphic and industrial design in the country and to awaken greater interest in Mexican design, both historical and contemporary, in the rest of the world.

This is how the history of design in our country and its trajectory through the years is exhibited here. It is a space of convergence for the art of design in all its aspects. Here you can find temporary exhibitions covering industrial, graphic, architectural and even fashion design, from national and international talents invited to express their vision of Mexico.

Website
Address: Francisco I. Madero #74, centro histórico.
Entrance fee: $60 MXN

Templo Mayor
The Templo Mayor Museum is located in the same place where the most important ceremonial center of the Aztecs was located.

It consists of 8 exhibition halls that house thousands of archaeological pieces that offer an interesting perspective of Aztec life, highlighting Tlaloc, god of water, and Huitzilopochtli, god of war. The main piece of the museum is the stone representation of Coyolxauhqui, goddess of the moon, decapitated and dismembered by her brother Huitzilopochtli.

Website
Address: Seminario #8, centro histórico.
Entrance fee: $90 MXN (Sunday free admission for Mexicans)

MIDE
The Museo Interactivo de Economía (MIDE) seeks to bring the world of economics to the public in an interactive and fun way. Through innovative exhibits and hands-on activities, you can explore complex economic concepts in an accessible and entertaining way. From simulators to games and workshops, the museum offers an educational experience that sparks interest and understanding about how the economy works in everyday life.

Si quieres aprender sobre finanzas personales, emprendimiento y el impacto de las decisiones económicas en la sociedad, este es un buen lugar para hacerlo.

Website
Address: Tacuba #17, centro histórico.
Entrance fee: $120 MXN

MUNAL
The National Museum of Art offers a global and synthesized vision of the history of Mexican art between the second half of the 16th century and the first half of the 20th century. In addition to its permanent exhibition focused on Mexican art, here are presented some of the most interesting and important temporary exhibitions that come to the city from other countries.

The building that houses it is considered one of the most important architectural works of the country in the early 20th century. It is a true architectural jewel.

Website
Address: Tacuba #8, centro histórico.
Entrance fee: $85 MXN (Sunday free admission)

Palacio de Mineria
The Palacio de Mineria is a magnificent example of 18th century neoclassical architecture. Built between 1797 and 1813, it is a masterpiece designed by the Spanish architect Manuel Tolsa, famous for his sober and elegant style.

Inside is the Mining Museum, which exhibits an impressive collection of minerals and objects related to the history of mining in Mexico; and also the Manuel Tolsa Museum, where you can see works by him, such as sculptures, plans and models. It is well worth taking the guided tours that take place every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am and 1 pm.

Website
Address: Tacuba #5, centro histórico.
Entrance fee: $25 MXN

Museo Memoria y Tolerancia
The Museo Memoria y Tolerancia is a space dedicated to reflection on human rights and cultural diversity. Through testimonies, historical documents and installations, the museum addresses issues such as the Holocaust and other genocides, promoting tolerance and respect among communities.

It is a moving museum that invites reflection on the importance of collective memory in the construction of a more just and united world.

Website
Address: Juárez #8 (Plaza Juárez), centro histórico.
Entrance fee: $140 MXN

Museo Franz Mayer
This museum is a true cultural treasure that houses an impressive collection of art and decorative objects from various periods and styles. The building itself is an architectural gem that combines baroque and neoclassical elements.

Here you can admire an eclectic selection of European and Mexican art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, furniture and everyday objects that give a unique perspective of the evolution of art and culture in Mexico and the world. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly organizes some of the best temporary exhibitions in the city.

Website
Address: Hidalgo #45, centro histórico.
Entrance fee: $100 MXN (Tuesday free admission, except special exhibitions)

These museums and cultural spaces are a sample of the cultural and artistic richness of Mexico City. Best of all, they are just a few minutes walk from Hostel Barrio, allowing you to explore them at your convenience during your stay with us.

We hope to see you soon in the coolest hostel in Mexico City’s historic center!