Antigua Casa de Moneda de México

The former mint is a three-story stone building in the historic center with large arched windows, carved stone details, and a central courtyard showing traditional Mexican design. The structure retains its colonial layout and continues to shape the streetscape of this historical neighborhood.

The mint was established in 1535 by Spanish viceroy Antonio de Mendoza on the site of Moctezuma's former meditation house. For centuries it served as a crucial center for coin production that shaped economic exchange across the Americas and beyond.

The building now houses the National Museum of Cultures, where visitors encounter exhibits about civilizations from around the world and Mexico's monetary past. These collections show how money and culture intertwine across different societies.

The building sits near Zócalo metro station and welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday with no admission fee required. Plan time to walk through the exhibits and explore the central courtyard at a relaxed pace.

The coins produced here helped establish global financial systems and influenced currencies in many countries. Their designs and standardization were later adopted by other nations and shaped modern monetary practices.