The National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is the largest anthropology museum in the world and the most visited museum in Mexico. Last year it hosted some 3.7 million visitors. Admission is pretty modest (about $5 U.S.) and it is free for Mexicans on Sunday.

The Mexica

The Mexica were a Nahuatl-speaking people who are believed to have migrated into the Valley of Mexico around 1200. There they built an empire that dominated the region in the 15th and early 16th centuries. Their capital was Tenochtitlan which is where present day Mexico City stands. They were later named Aztecs by historians.

Xochipilli, “Lord of Flowers,” was considered the god of the royal nobility and patron saint of flowers.

The ancient city of Cholula, part of what would be called the Aztec Empire, was famous for its pottery.

These warrior sculptures, known as “Atlantes,” which were found near the main ball court in front of the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan.

A ball game called Pelota was popular among the Mexica and other peoples of Mesoamerica.

Teotihaucan

Teotihaucan was at one time the largest city in Mesoamerica. It is about 25 miles from Mexico City. It is here that the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon were built. Archeologists believe it was a multi-ethnic city attracting migrants from throughout the region. Teotihaucan has been dated back to 100 BC, predating the Mexica, and it lasted until the 7th or 8th century. Today it is primarily known for its significance as an archeological site.

“The Drinkers,” a mural in nearby Cholula, was created in about 200 AD

This is a reproduction of a mural depicting Tlalic, the god of rain.

The Indigenous Peoples of Mexico

Caguama fishing, Adolfo Mexiac, carved from wood with black ink

The Magical World of the Maya, Lenora Carrington

The Cruz Blanca Carnival, José Máximo Rivas

2 Responses to The National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Yeah, Another Blogger says:

August 10, 2025 at 11:22 am

A fantastic museum. It’s great that so many people visit it. After all, it deserves to be visited!

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retrosimba says:

August 10, 2025 at 12:03 pm

Thanks for the captions and text. That enhanced my appreciation of the magnificent images.

I’d like to acquire a replica of Xochipilli, Lord of the Flowers. That would look pretty good in my garden and also would keep the neighbors guessing….

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