The reputation of Mexico as the usual American college student’s spring break destination may be justified. However, Mexico shouldn’t be known for the reason alone. True, world-class resorts and beaches adorn the coasts of Cancun and Acapulco, but there are also other attractions in this culturally- rich country. Ancient towns filled with Mayan and Aztec structures are sure to fascinate visitors interested in ancient civilizations. If you can’t get enough of these primeval attractions while in the city, make sure that you pay a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología or the National Museum of Anthropology.
The MNA is the national museum of Mexico. It is the main attraction of Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park, in the streets of Paseo de la Reforma and Calle Mahatma Gandhi. You will find yourself be amazed by the artifacts of archaeological and anthropological significance that the museum hosts. Relics of the country’s pre-Columbian heritage are proudly displayed, examples of which are the Piedra del Sol and the statue of Xochipilli which dates as far back as 16th century.
It would take more than a day to marvel at each of the museum’s 23 exhibit rooms spread over almost 8 hectares of prime city center land. The museum has been opened since 1964 and has since then hosted Mexico’s most noteworthy exhibits such as Olmec giant stone heads, the stone of the Sun, Mayan civilization treasures, Chichen Itza’s Sacred Cenote, and ethnological exhibits of rural Mexican life. A model of the layout for the former Aztec capital named Tenochtitlan, where part of the modern-day Mexico City now stands, is also housed in the museum.
Visiting exhibits have also been hosted by the museum, mainly focusing on the great civilizations of the past. Persia, Egypt, Greece, Spain, and China have been the subjects of past visiting exhibits. Try visiting and you might have the chance to view one of them.