All about Palacio Cantón in Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)

Palacio Cantón is one of the most beautiful, largest and best-known colonial buildings on the Paseo de Montejo in Mérida. With its large size and bright yellow color, it stands out from a distance.

Built between 1904 and 1908 at the end of the Porfiriato (a period of modernization in Mexico during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz), Palacio Cantón was commissioned by General Francisco Cantón Rosado.

After its construction, Palacio Cantón served as the residence of General Francisco Cantón Rosado and his family before later becoming a cultural institution.

Over the years, it housed various government offices and, since 1980, has been home to the Museo Regional de Antropología, showcasing Maya history and archaeology.

General Francisco Cantón Rosado

Francisco Cantón Rosado (1833-1917) was a Mexican general, politician, and businessman who played a key role in Yucatán’s history. He fought in the Caste War, later became governor from 1898 to 1902, and helped shape Mérida’s development.

Beyond politics, he invested in infrastructure and funded projects like the iconic Peón Contreras Theater in Mérida. In Valladolid, the Parque Francisco Cantón was named after him.

Architecture

The house was designed by the Italian architect Enrico Deserti and was built by the Yucatecan architect and engineer Manuel G. Kanton Ramos.

Palacio Cantón, an elegant corner mansion, exemplifies the Beaux-Arts architectural style popular during the Porfiriato era.

Its design harmoniously blends neoclassical and baroque elements, featuring Doric and Ionic columns, detailed cornices, and decorative moldings.

The façade showcases imported European materials, including marble and plasterwork. These imported materials were used in both the exterior façade and interior design.

The building's symmetrical layout and ornate details reflect the opulence of early 20th-century Mérida.

The interior of the palace is equally impressive, featuring a grand marble staircase that connects the main floors, intricate woodwork, and decorative elements that reflect the wealth and elegance of the era.

Museo Regional de Antropología

In 1959, the building became home to the Yucatán Institute of Anthropology and History, and since 1980, it has housed the Museo Regional de Antropología, featuring a permanent exhibition that preserves and presents the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological finds and artifacts from the Yucatán region and offers visitors an insight into the rich history and culture of the Maya and other indigenous peoples.