Yucatan Culture

There is no lack of culture in Merida. Merida is home to four universities and over a dozen museums.

MUSEO MACAY. Permanent Exhibitions include the works of Yucatecan artists, including additional paintings by Fernando Castro Pacheco, the painter of murals in the Governor's Palace. Museo MACAY also hosts visiting exhibits from other parts of Mexico. There is also usually a sculpture exhibit just outside the entrance in the walkway between the entrance and the cathedral. This is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art. Calle 60, Next to Cathedral. tels: 928 3258 & 928 3236 Open Wednesday-Monday 10:00-5:30

ANTHROPOLOGY & HISTORY MUSEUM. Installed in a completely refurbished mansion is an extensive exhibit of local Mayan history and anthropolgy. Also the museum occasionally hosts traveling exhibits. There is an excellent book and gift shop at the entrance. Palacio G. Canton, Paseo de Montejo and Calle 43 Open Tuesday through Saturday 9:00-8:00, Sunday 8:00-2:00 Admission $32.00 pesos

PALACIO DE GOBIERNO. The interior arched courtyard, an upstairs gallery and the balcony are the sites for displays of paintings by Merida's local artist, Fernando Castro Pacheco. The murals display the history of the Yucatan. Located on the North East corner of the Zocalo. Open daily. Free admission

POPULAR ART MUSEUM. Exhibits of Mayan arts and crafts. Calle 59 x 50, Barrio de Mejorada Open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00-8:00, Sunday 8:00-2:00 Admission $15.00 pesos

MERIDA CITY MUSEUM. A small but interesting exhibit about the City of Merida includes some maps and pictures of early Merida and information about the Mayan city of T'ho. Calle 61 between 58 and 60 Telephone: (999)923-6869 Open Tuesday through Friday 10:00-2:00 and 4:00-8:00 Free admission

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM. Calle 59 x 84 Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00-6:00 Admission $5.00 pesos

MERIDA SCULPTURE WALK. On Paseo de Montejo, going south from the Anthropology Museum (see above), the city of Merida has installed a semi-permanent collection of changing outdoor sculptures. The collection begins with a large sculpture in the circle at Calle 47 and Paseo Montejo, and ends at the corner of Avenida Colón, just beyond the U.S. Embassy. The last sculpture is a permanent installation, a carved tree trunk, killed by Hurricane Isidore and reinvented as a beautiful work of art.

RAILROAD MUSEUM. More than 40 old railroad cars and lots of memorabilia from the bygone days of the railroad are gathered together at Merida's Railroad Museum. For more info, see our story here. The museum is found in a field on Calle 43 between Calle 48 and Calle 50.

PINACOTECA. "Juan Bamboa Guzman" Offers permanent Exhibitions of Painting and Sculpture from early colonial times, and also houses occasional temporary exhibits. A recent exhibit included documents and artifacts from early Merida railroads. Calle 59 between 58 and 60. Open Tuesday - Saturday 8:00-20:00 & Sunday 8:00-2:00 Admission $10.00 pesos

YUCATECAN MUSIC MUSEUM. Features an exhibition of objects and works of Yucatecan music, plus pre-Hispanic and Afro-Cuban instruments, and includes a gift shop Tel: 01-999-923-7224 Calle 57#464-A near Calle 48 near Plaza Mejorada Open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00-17:00 Admission $15.00 pesos

MUSEUM PEON CONTRERAS. Offers continually changing art exhibitions from around Mexico. Exhibits are usually of contemporary artists and can include sculpture, photography, painting, fabric, and just about anything else. Calle 60 between 59 and 57 in the Peon Contreras Theater Open most days until 9 pm Admission Free

HACIENDA YAXCOPOIL. This authentically maintained hacienda is just minutes south of downtown Merida. It includes a museum of Mayan artifacts, guest house, gift shop and snack bar. 20 miles (33 km) south of Merida on Highway 261 to Uxmal at the 186 KM marker. See www.yaxcopoil.com for a map and more information. Monday - Saturday 8:00-18:00 Sunday 9:00-13:00 Admission $40.00 pesos Children accompanied by parents -- free Discounts for tours and other groups

MUSEO DE PUEBLO MAYA. Displays permanent and extensive exhibits of Mayan artifacts from throughout the Yucatan and local culture up to the present day, including a beautiful huipile exhibit. The museum is air-conditioned and a pleasant addition to visiting the ruins. As you leave the museum to visit the ruins, you can walk through a typical Mayan house. Dzibilchaltun Open Tuesday - Sunday 8:00-16:00 Admission $60.00 pesos

MERIDA PLANETARIUM. This relatively new Planetarium is at the Olimpo Cultural Center on the zocalo. Shows throughout the day from Tuesday through Saturday Tickets are $30 pesos, $15 for children and students.