Mexico City Art & Design Cultural Itinerary

After living in Mexico City for a year, here’s a few of my top cultural site recommendations, especially when you’re craving a good museum or art exhibition. This unique list will fill up your creative cup and inspire you to continue refining your own passions.

Chapultepec Castle

One of the absolute best parts about visiting this historic landmark is getting to experience the vast abundance of Chapultepec Park simultaneously. Mexico City's Bosque de Chapultepec is the oldest and largest urban park in Latin America, and one of the oldest urban parks in the world. And at the top of the hill in the middle of the park standing over 7,000 ft above sea level you will find the Chapultepec Castle. The castle now houses the National Museum of History, and visitors can wander the former presidential residence grounds in awe of art, architecture, landscaping, interior design and artifacts for hours. Not to mention, it easily has one of the city's most visited terraces, Chapultepec Castle boasts with some of the best views over Mexico City, while steeping into the country’s past.

National Museum of Anthropology

On the outskirts of Chapultepec Park, the National Museum of Anthropology showcases the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art whose origins span epochs of the region’s history. Most notably, the architect designed a covered a portion of the outdoor courtyard so visitors could travel between exhibitions regardless of weather. The grandiose column fountain was then playfully dubbed El Paragua [the umbrella] with depictions of Mesoamerican cosmological themes carved in relief.

As you might imagine, the exhibition space for Maya archaeology is just as impressive as the remarkable heritage from these people deserves.

Museo Soumaya

Located in the Polanco neighborhood of upscale Mexico City, you’ll find the breathtaking Museo Soumaya. This modern building has an awe-inspiring shape that gracefully reflects and captures the natural light and the attention of anyone nearby. It’s fitting that such a museum stands in the same neighborhood as world-class restaurant Pujol, in a pristine community that draws diplomats, politicians, and internationals residents. The Soumaya Museum is actually a non-profit cultural institution that houses one of the most significant private art collections in Latin America, spanning more than thirty centuries. The 92 ft high ceilings and spiral accessible design stretch across six floors, offering the perfect backdrop for thousands of years of carefully curated art.

Museo Jumex

Right next to Museo Soumaya, Museo Jumex is the perfect modern counterpoint, offering rotating exhibits in a bold, contemporary space. Representing what is arguably the most important collection of Latin American art in the world, its exhibitions are minimal, current, and always in motion. This rather discreet museum lets the work speak for itself, showing unwavering support for the art community through its diverse program of cultural events, immersive experiences, site-specific installations, and artistic responses to the building itself.

MAIA Contemporary

While exploring Roma Norte’s thriving art district, you should stop in the MAIA Contemporary gallery located in the Casa Basalta that was built in 1910. This modern collection showcases the work of both established and emerging artist and choose to present a diverse range of ideas and artistic practices in experiences that are provocative and engaging. This art gallery plays a significant role in the contemporary art scene in Mexico City and present work in a space that is both approachable and engaging.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Venturing through one of the oldest Sears department stores left in the world brings you to the best views of Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. This prominent cultural center is one of the most iconic and grand buildings in the historic center and hosts performing arts presentations, literary events, and rotating art exhibitions. It’s also home to the National Museum of Architecture and the Museum of the Palace of Fine Arts. The grand edifice blends Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, and Art Deco styles, making it a unique architectural marvel!

Pro travel tip: the most impressive views of this historic site are from the terrace of Café Don Porfirio on the 8th floor of the Sears building across the street.

Casa Estudio Luis Barragán

While at the top of my list, the preserved home of Mexican architect Luis Barragán was one I never ended up visiting. The few times I went to book tickets in advance, the exhibition was closed. From what I know, Luis Barragán’s house represents one of the most internationally transcendent works of contemporary architecture and is among the most important 20th-century architectural works in Mexico City. Be sure to get your tickets in advance and let me know how it was!

Get in Touch

What are some of your favorite cultural sites when visiting Mexico City? Let me know on IG @alyssaya!

Read my full CDMX Neighborhood Guide including where I stayed, how much I spent on rent, what was included and how our experience went. And be sure to check out my list of Best Restaurants in Mexico City Blog.

Don’t hesitate to DM me on instagram if you have any other questions about living like a local in Mexico City.

Thanks for reading. And as always . . . Be thoughtful. Stay kind.

♡ Alyssa