The history of Mexico as a country is so rich in culture, diversity and detail, that paying a visit to a local museum should be a top priority within your vacation itinerary here!

No matter where you’re spending your Mexican vacation, there’s sure to be an excellent museum just a stone’s throw away from you! We’ve formed a handy list of all the coolest museums that are worth paying a visit to, all across the country...

Central Mexico may often be forgotten as a holiday destination, but if you travel here, not only will you escape the tourist-trap crowds, but you’ll find some real hidden gems in the name of nature, culture, and – you guessed it – museums!

It may sound morbid to begin our museum guide with The National Museum of Death, but for a country historically so fascinated with the concept of death, it seems fitting!

This museum delves deep into the country’s iconography of death, investigating Mexican perceptions of the Underworld, as well as the ancient tradition of human sacrifice, and of course, the sugar skulls, myths, decorated altars, and celebrations of the famous Day of the Dead festival, which takes place across Mexico every year.

Named by Lonely Planet as one of Mexico’s ‘best regional museums’, this is a great way to spend an afternoon in Oaxaca.

This great local museum takes you on a winding journey through the history of the area, from the Pre-Hispanic to the modern day.

If you’re traveling to Veracruz (or just passing through), this museum makes for a great stop!

You’ll learn loads of little-known facts about the history of the Mexican Navy, all housed in a beautiful space, which is mercifully air-conditioned, with plenty of interactive activities for the kids!

Los Pozas is an unmissable destination for your Mexican bucket list! In the heart of the magical Huasteca Potosina jungle, lays a unique sculpture garden, created by the English poet and surrealist Edwards James.

Marvel at the fusion between the natural and the unnatural, and at the Surrealist influences that can be recognized at every turn; with stairs leading up to the sky, and doors that open onto nothing at all, most notably in ‘The Three-Story House That Might Have Five’.

These structural illusions will enthrall both children and adults alike; the whole family will be astonished by this collection of architectural delights, as well as the natural paradise that surrounds them.

We know, Mexico City is in Central Mexico, but as the country’s capital, we felt it was deserving of its own museum highlight reel; after all, the museums in Mexico City are both plentiful and critically acclaimed!

Take a look at our blog to see what else you should put on the agenda for a visit to Mexico City!

People from all over the world flock to Mexico City just to visit this renowned museum; allow an entire day for your visit here, you won’t regret it!

The National Museum of Anthropology is considered a national treasure, famous for its beautiful outdoor exhibits and artworks, such as The Umbrella in the central courtyard, as well as its surrounding garden spaces.

However, the real enchantment comes from inside the museum, which houses an extensive and organized collection of exhibits. It is home to many significant Pre-Colombian artifacts, most notably the stone Aztec Calendar, also referred to as the ‘stone of the sun’.

The two buildings that form Museo Soumaya are so architecturally beautiful, that it’s worth visiting just to see them from the outside!

Once you’ve got past the curved, silver spectacle of the exterior, it’s time to enjoy the interior! There’s a lot on offer here, from Mesoamerican sculptures to contemporary Mexican artwork, not to mention a profound collection from European artists such as Dali and Rodin.

Popularly known as Casa Azul or ‘The Blue House’ due to the striking cobalt color of its walls, this house was both the birthplace and death place of famed Mexican artist and feminist icon Frida Kahlo, and the home-turned-museum is now a visitor’s attraction in the heart of Mexico City!

Enter Frida’s private universe, becoming familiar with her life and work as you explore her old home! This is one of our favorite museums to visit in the whole of Mexico and is not to be missed!

Nestled atop the sacred Aztec ‘grasshopper’s hill’ in the center of Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park, this magnificent castle served as a royal and then presidential residence for most of its existence before it became The National Museum of History in 1939.

Not only is this museum home to exhibits dedicated to Mexican Independence and the Mexican Revolution, but it also houses the Alcázar, a vast area of the castle containing the rooms and personal belongings of its previous royal residents.

Some of our personal favorite spots include The Malachite Room, and the staggeringly beautiful hallways with stained-glass windows.

Chapultepec also has, without a doubt, the most exceptional view of Mexico City across the treetops of the surrounding parkland. In case you needed another reason to visit, the castle was also used as a primary filming location for the Oscar-nominated hit William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes!

While Mexico may be greatly remembered in history for the Aztec Empire, many are unaware of the role that Mayan culture played in shaping the country throughout history.

There is no better place to immerse yourself in the history of this astonishing civilization than in the Yucatan Peninsula which the Mayans called home.

Here, you can explore the numerous ruins of Mayan temples, ports and settlements, such as Chichén Itzá, El Rey, and Xel-Há, as well as the sacred underground pools called cenotes, which were used for spiritual rituals.

Alongside all of these wonders, there are plenty of museums to capture your interest as well, all easily reached from the comforts of your Cancun vacation rental...

Just a short trip down the coast from Cancun in Playa del Carmen, this illusion art museum is a fantastic day out for the whole family!

Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to capture each and every family member striking innovative poses amongst these artistic ‘3D’ creations.

To see what else you could up to during a day trip to Playa del Carmen, take a look here!

This museum located in Mérida is our number one go-to for everything Mayan.

Containing a vast collection of over a thousand artifacts, this is an awesome place to learn all about the history and culture of the Mayan people before you take in the sights at the ruins.

The kids will love the films, displays, and interactive exhibits too!

If you’re planning a day trip to the sunny island of Cozumel during your time in Cancun, you won’t want to miss paying a visit to The Mayan Cacao Company.

Here, you will embark on a multi-sensory experience as you learn all about the origins and history of one of your favorite treats: chocolate – beginning with the Mayan people who first discovered it!

You’ll even be able to witness the process the Mayans used to make their chocolate and take part in a mouth-watering tasting session!

You’ll also investigate the other uses of cacao and get the chance to sample and buy some of the cacao soaps, lotions, sauces, and of course local chocolate bars on offer!

The Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) lies beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea between the coast of Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

MUSA originated in 2009 with the intention of protecting surrounding marine wildlife by providing an alternative diving location for tourists, easing the number of visitors to the nearby coral reefs. Over 500 sculptures were made, predominantly by British sculptor James DeCaires Taylor, along with five local sculptors.

Take a scuba dive like none other you’ve ever taken before, and explore the world of Taylor’s Silent Evolution exhibit, depicting everything from businessmen with their head in the sand (literally), to children playing with pets, people sitting on their sofas watching TV, or even driving cars!

This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience! If you’re taking a vacation to Cancun, why not check out our blog to see what else we recommend doing while you’re there?

We hope our Mexican museum guide has assisted you in your vacation planning.

Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful travel tips, itineraries and recommendations, and be sure to take a look at our rentals page, where you can find