Science and history, Archeology, Art and history museums
+52 (55) 5617 3797
Museo #150, Col. San Pablo , Coyoacán 04620
This museum shows a little-known facet of the Mexican painter Diego Rivera: the collector. All his life, the muralist was dedicated to collecting more than 50,000 Hispanic pieces during his visits to different archaeological sites, mainly Teotihuacan and Aztec ruins. He dreamed of building a space that could accommodate such a vast collection so that the Mexican people could know their roots.
He was finally able to order the construction of Anahuacalli, which serves as a space where architecture, music, theater, dance and crafts coexist. The architectural design was made by Juan O'Gorman and built with volcanic rock from the area, resulting from the eruption of the volcano Xitle.
The building brought together indigenous elements inside and in the finishing. In fact, the design of the museum is inspired by a teocalli, a Nahuatl word meaning "power house". The outside area is planted with plants occurring naturally in the rocky environment which together with the museum blend perfectly with the surroundings.
It offers tours lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The first one starts at 11:00hrs and the last at 17:00hrs. Also offers workshops aimed at children with the aim of showing the kinds how they can express themselves through different artistic disciplines. They can take guitar, dance, sing, and acting lessons, among others.
The admission is free for children under six years old, disabled and for the locals. There are also discounts for students, teachers, and the elders.
If you want to take pictures you must have an special permission.