A Virtual Tour Of 10 Museums In Mexico

Mexico City is gaining worldwide attention for its vibrant museum scene, but the country has a lot to offer art lovers outside the capital, too.

Here’s a virtual guide to 10 of Mexico’s most exciting museums, from Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul to the Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum to the 19th-century Hospicio Cabañas.

MUAC, Mexico City

The Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporáneo, MUAC for short, has only been around for eight years, but it’s become a must-see in Mexico City. In recent weeks, photos from the illustrious British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor’s exhibit have popped up all over Instagram.

In addition to its exciting exhibitions, the museum’s permanent collection features a mix of contemporary Mexican art, including works by Yishai Jusidman and Rogelio Sosa, and international artwork.

Museo Nacional de Arte, Mexico City

The National Art Museum opened in 1982 in Mexico City’s historical center. It has an impressive collection of Mexican art, and routinely exhibits work by international artists.

Museo Jumex, Mexico City

The Jumex Museum is a recent addition to Mexico City’s contemporary artscape. In the three years since it opened, it’s become a favorite among local and visiting art lovers.

A highly acclaimed exhibition by Swiss artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss, titled “How to Work Better,” was held at the museum this summer.

Museo Frida Kahlo, Mexico City

One of the reasons to visit the city’s Coyoacan neighborhood is a chance to see Frida Kahlo’s Blue House, where the painter spent a large chunk of her life and created many of her paintings. Today, it’s a museum. The traveling exhibition, “Appearances Can Be Deceiving: The Dresses of Frida Kahlo,” is currently on view there.

Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City

The National Anthropology Museum is not just one of the most important in Mexico, but in all of Latin America. It’s a classic.

Museo Tamayo, Mexico City

Modern and contemporary art fill the halls of this museum, thanks to a collection Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo started with his wife Olga. Now, this museum houses more than 600 works, in addition to hosting traveling exhibitions centered on artists like Eduardo Sarabia or Isamu Noguchi.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey, Monterrey

This 25-year-old museum is known for the immense dove that guards its entrance, a piece by the Juan Soriano. Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta designed the museum, which has presented works by artists including Frida Kahlo, Ron Mueck and Spencer Tunick.

Museo Amparo, Puebla

Since the Amparo Museum opened its doors in 1991, it has worked toward a mission to showcase the best of Mexico’s art.

Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara

The Cabañas Hospice, which made it to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, is a must-see when you’re in Guadalajara. The chapel features a stunning series of murals by one of Mexico’s most celebrated muralists, José Clemente Orozco.

Museo de Arte de Zapopan, Jalisco

Located in the historic center of Zapopan, this museum is one of the most exciting in Jalisco and houses a great selection of contemporary art.

This piece originally appeared on HuffPost Mexico and has been translated into English.