All about Museo Casa Montejo in Mérida (2025 Guide)

Good old Montejo, the man who once conquered Mérida, will cross your path again and again – whether you notice it or not. His name marks the city’s grandest boulevard, he stands tall in bronze statues, and he lives on in the Museo Casa Montejo.

You could easily call the Museo Casa Montejo a must-see in Mérida. This former home of Don Francisco de Montejo sits right on the Plaza Grande, so you’ll probably walk by it anyway – and it’s definitely worth popping in for a quick look (admission is free).

Dad & Son Montejo

Did you know there were actually two Montejo men?

Dating all the way back to 1540, it also served as the residence of his son, Francisco de Montejo the Younger (known in Spanish as "El Mozo"). Stepping into this historic gem feels like traveling back in time to the beginnings of Mérida's fascinating story.

This is believed to be the oldest building in Mérida. While the house underwent reconstruction in 1850, many of its original furnishings have been preserved, and remarkably, direct descendants of the Montejo family called it home until 1978.

Exploring the Rooms of Casa Montejo

Step inside and explore four beautifully restored rooms:

• a dining room

• a living room

• an office

• and a bedroom

All showcasing a stunning permanent exhibition of Victorian, neo-rococo, and neo-renaissance furniture that brings the elegance of the past to life.

Furthermore, there are three rooms with changing art exhibitions. There’s also a book and souvenir store on-site. All the information throughout the museum is available in both English and Spanish.

Free Guided Tours

Admission to the Museo Casa Montejo is completely free, and you can join a guided tour through its fascinating rooms every day, also at no cost.

These tours offer a deeper insight into the house's rich history, so be sure to check the schedule when you arrive, as times may vary.

Visiting Tips

Casa Montejo Museum is easy to find, as it sits on the southern side of Plaza Grande, directly opposite of the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán.

To make the most of your time in Mérida, I recommend stepping into the cooler, air-conditioned spaces around midday. This is the perfect way to escape the city's intense heat while still enjoying everything it has to offer.

Be aware that the museum draws a good number of visitors. Since you'll likely find yourself at Plaza Grande more than once during your time in Mérida, you can take a moment to check if the museum feels a bit quieter during one of your visits.

If you prefer a more peaceful experience, consider stopping by in the evening when it's typically less crowded. Just remember, weekends are generally busier than weekdays, so plan accordingly for a more relaxed visit.

Keep in mind, though, that the museum isn’t entirely wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Renaissance Style Building

The house, crafted in the Renaissance style, is a remarkable testament to colonial architecture. In my opinion, it beautifully reflects the grandeur and ambition of the Montejo family, whose power and influence shaped the colonial era.

As you explore its intricate details and commanding presence, you'll get a sense of the historical significance that this structure holds. My experience has always been that visiting places like this offers a deeper connection to the stories of the past.

In 1981, the National Bank of Mexico acquired and restored the building and set up offices. Between 2007 and 2010, the building was restored again and a cultural center and the museum were established.

It was opened to the public at the end of 2010 by the Fomento Cultural Banamex, A.C.

Details of the Exterior Facade

The building’s exterior features plateresque, an ornate style from early Spain’s Golden Age, preserved in its original form. The facade reflects the self-image of the Spanish conquerors (see next photo).

The two lions perched on the upper pediment proudly hold the Montejo family coat of arms, a striking emblem that speaks to their legacy. Below them, you’ll notice two Spanish soldiers, their halberds in hand, portrayed in a bold and exaggerated style.

They stand atop the heads of the defeated, a bold symbol of conquest reflecting the era’s mindset. This mix of symbolism and artistic flair reveals how power and victory were portrayed.

The Montejo Family

Francisco de Montejo, father and son, played a key role in the Spanish conquest and colonization of Yucatán, including the founding of Mérida.

Francisco de Montejo the Elder led the first expedition in 1527, gaining control of parts of the peninsula. His son, Francisco the Younger, continued the campaign and founded Mérida in 1542 as a Spanish stronghold.

While the elder Montejo spearheaded much of the conquest, his son worked to consolidate Spanish rule, turning Mérida into an administrative, commercial, and cultural center.

However, Spanish control remained fragile. The Maya fiercely resisted colonization, and by 1570, only around 200 Spanish settlers lived in Mérida, a testament to the region’s ongoing struggles.

Colonization drastically altered life for the indigenous population. Many were enslaved or forced to abandon their traditions, while their religious beliefs were systematically repressed. The resistance was relentless, leading to decades of uprisings and conflicts.

The Montejos left behind a complicated legacy. Their role in Yucatán’s history shaped the region for centuries, and its effects are still felt today. Casa de Montejo, their former residence, stands as a reminder of Spanish power and the lasting impact of conquest.

The Ghosts of the Montejo Family

Casa Montejo in Mérida is a place where history refuses to rest. Steeped in ghostly legends, this centuries-old mansion is said to be home to more than just memories.

The spirits of Francisco de Montejo the Elder and his son, Francisco de Montejo the Younger, are rumored to linger within these walls. Some claim to have seen them, dressed in the attire of their time, moving silently through the halls.

Their figures appear as fleeting shapes in the dim light, vanishing before they can be fully understood. But are they tricks of the mind, or something more?

Even with no one in sight, the house feels alive. Whispers echo, cold drafts linger, and unseen footsteps stir doubt. Some brush it off, others leave unsettled.

Objects vanish, only to turn up in odd and impossible places. Doors creak open without reason. Staff and guests alike speak of an eerie presence that brushes past, unseen but undeniable.

Casa Montejo is not just a relic of the past – it is a threshold, a place where the boundary between the living and the dead feels unsettlingly thin…

Image Source (interior photo): ©Travel4Brews, flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link

The picture was modified (image improvements, resized)