All about Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida (2025 Guide)

When I first visited the Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida, I was curious to learn more about the city’s deeper story – and the museum does a great job of showing how Mérida evolved, starting from its origins as the ancient Maya city of T’Ho.

It takes you through the full journey – from its pre-Columbian roots and colonial era to the struggle for independence and its development into the modern city it is today.

Permanent Exhibitions

The museum isn’t huge, but it features around 150 permanent pieces. They’re spread across four main rooms, each focused on a key chapter of Mérida’s history – here’s a quick overview:

1. Prehispanic Merida: This room showcases numerous artifacts from ancient Merida, predating the Spanish conquest, including items from the Maya civilization.

   
   

2. Colonial and Novohispanic Merida: Here, visitors encounter objects dating back to Merida's founding period, as well as everyday items, weaponry, and other artifacts reflecting life during the colonial era.

   
   

3. Merida in the 19th and Early 20th Century: This room presents artifacts depicting the city's development, economic growth, and aspects of daily life, education, and politics during this period.

   
   

4. 20th Century: This section features objects representing contemporary life in Merida, highlighting not only the city's culture but also its architecture, sports, and particularly its traditions.

Temporary Exhibitions

The temporary exhibitions are typically held on the Museum's first floor, featuring diverse visual arts encompassing painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.

But there are also recordings, photography and video. Additionally, thematic exhibitions are curated to delve deeper into Merida's history.

A Historic Building with European Flair

This beautiful early 20th-century building once served as a federal post palace. Designed by military engineer Salvador Echegaray, it was inaugurated in 1908 by Governor Enrique Muñoz Aristequi.

With its neoclassical style and French influences, the building reflects the economic boom of early 20th-century Mérida, much like many other grand structures from that time.

Its ornate façade and decorative details highlight the European architectural trends that shaped the city during this period.

Since 2007, the building has housed the Museum of the City of Mérida. With its rich past, it’s a historic landmark itself. The museum was previously located in the former Templo San Juan de Dios.

Activities for Children

The museum offers kids' activities like sculpting and painting workshops. On Saturdays from 10:00 AM to noon, there’s a supervised play area for children aged 6 to 12 (weekend hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM).

Markets and Sights Nearby

Right next to the museum is Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, Mérida’s main market. Just beyond it lies Mercado de San Benito, the second largest. Both are lively spots where locals stock up on fresh food, spices, and daily essentials.

If you want to experience the full range of market life after your visit to the museum, this is definitely the place for you. And Plaza Grande with all its surrounding sights is just two blocks to the northwest.

Discover the Mayan World in Mérida

Another tip: If you are particularly interested in Maya art, you should definitely visit the Mayan World Museum in the north of Mérida – it’s my personal favorite.

The museum houses an extensive collection of over 1,160 artifacts, ranging from pre-Hispanic sculptures and ceramics to colonial-era religious art and historical documents.

The exhibition is structured into four main sections, highlighting both ancient and contemporary Maya culture, their connection to nature, and the traditions that have endured over time.

Even though it is located outside the city center, I highly recommend it as a great place to explore the rich history of the Maya and understand how their influence continues to shape the region today.