7 Museums in Merida Mexico You Should Visit in 2023

ByJulien Casanova Last Updated

The city of Merida, Mexico was the first to receive the designation as the “Cultural Capital of the Americas.” It was also the first city to receive the recognition a second time in 2017.

One place you can soak in this culture is through the various museums in Merida. The city has done a wonderful job of curating these museums and other cultural events that occur throughout the week.

The best part is that many of these Merida museums are free! Whether you are escaping the heat, the rain, or simply looking for something to do, they are a great educational escape.

I’ve created this list of the 7 best museums in Merida, Mexico. Read this guide for more things to do in Merida.

Visit the Anthropology Museum in Merida Mexico. Located in a restored mansion on Merida's famous Paseo de Montejo.

1. Folk Art Museum of the Yucatan

This Merida museum gives you a glimpse of Mexico through its artisans. This small, two-story house displays folk art from different artists throughout Mexico. The museum houses indigenous pottery, textiles, jewelry, and more.

If this type of art interests you, you’ll also want to check out one of the best things to do in Valladolid – Casa de los Venados.

Visiting one of the many museums in Merida is a fun thing to do in Merida. These large Oaxacan alebrijes are on display at the Folk Art Museum in Merida.
This large Oaxacan alebrije is on display at the Folk Art Museum.

2. MACAY | Contemporary Art Museum in Merida

MACAY is the best museum in Merida to view the works of contemporary Mexican artists. Featured is a permanent exhibition by Fernando Garcia Ponce. Located in a colonial building across from Plaza Grande, this museum is also a great escape from the heat when you are exploring Merida.

3. Museo Casa Montejo

Also located across from Plaza Grande, Museo Casa Montejo is a restored home built in the 16th century by Don Francisco de Montejo – the Spanish conqueror of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The outside of the building is a piece of artwork in itself. It features plateresque, an ornate surface decoration that was common in the early years of Spain’s Golden Age.

The four rooms on permanent display showcase the furnishings of the 19th and 20th centuries in Mexico. And the gallery has a rotating art exhibit.

Do you love museums? Check out the top museums in Queretaro, Mexico.

4. Governor’s Palace Museum

Constructed in 1892, the Governor’s Palace is home to the Yucatan’s executive government offices and a small tourist office. But the real attraction is located on the second floor. Here you’ll find the murals and oil paintings by the local artist, Fernando Castro Pacheco.

These large pieces of artwork depict the history of the Mayans and their interaction with the Spanish conquistadors. We visited after watching the Mayan Ball Court Game and the night atmosphere made the paintings even more vibrant and dramatic.

One of many things to do in Merida Mexico is visiting a museum. The museums range from ancient Mayan history to contemporary Mexican artists.
The Governor’s Palace where you can see oil paintings by local artist Fernando Castro Pacheco.

5. City Museum of Merida

Located near Mercado Lucas de Galvez, the City Museum of Merida tells the history of the city. The permanent exhibits are displayed in four rooms and tell the story of Merida from Mayan times to the present day.

6. Regional Museum of Anthropology of the Yucatán | Museo Palacio Canton

This Merida museum is located in one of the most iconic buildings in Merida. Located on Paseo de Montejo, this refurbished mansion houses an extensive exhibition of local Mayan history. They also host a rotating exhibit a couple of times per year.

7. Yucatan Music Museum

This museum in Merida displays musical instruments of the Yucatan. There is also a small collection of pre-Hispanic and Afro-Cuban instruments. This is a very small collection that is fun to see, though many of the descriptions are in Spanish.

In true Merida fashion, this cultural space also hosts regular events which you can check on their Facebook page. Most popular is the presentation of Yucatan Trova.

  • Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm and Saturday – Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm
  • Admission: 20 pesos
  • Location: Calle 57 and Calle 48

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Traveling to Merida, Mexico? The Yucatan Peninsula has a rich history your won't want to miss! Read our travel guide to the best (free or nearly free) museums in Merida. #travelguide #museums #mexico #thingstodo