All about Museo Regional de Antropología in Mérida

The Museo Regional de Antropología (Regional Museum of Anthropology) is housed in the Palacio Cantón, one of the most beautiful and iconic colonial buildings on Paseo de Montejo.

The regional museum was inaugurated in the Palacio Cantón in December 1959 (and reopened in 1980). In the decades prior to this, the museum had various other locations, including a brief period in the former Juárez prison.

Exhibition

The museum houses an extensive exhibit on Mayan history and anthropology, and also features temporary exhibitions (once or twice a year) designed to convey cultural heritage from the prehispanic past to the present.

The most important aspects of Mayan culture are shown, from the first settlers and their development to the construction of the magnificent temples and palaces.

The museum shows the development of the state with its socio-political organization, rituals, beliefs and trade relations. The museum also offers academic and cultural programs, and a book and gift store is located at the entrance.

The world of archaeology

Some interesting figures about Mayan archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula:

Palacio Cantón

The Palacio Cantón, which houses the museum, is worth the price of admission in itself. It is one of the most beautiful, largest and best-known colonial buildings in Mérida.

The villa was built in the first decade of the 20th century by Francisco Cantón, governor of Yucatán, and from then on it was the family's residence. The eclectic architecture features classical, neoclassical and French Baroque details.

A few tips

If you want to see much more Mayan art, you must also visit the Mayan World Museum (El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida). Located on the northern outskirts of the city, the museum displays a magnificent collection of more than 1,160 pieces.