Museo de Antropología de Xalapa

The Museo de Antropología de Xalapa is an archaeological museum in Veracruz that focuses on pre-Hispanic artifacts from the region. The building features modern exhibition halls with natural light, generous gallery spaces, and botanical gardens that complement the collections.

The collection began in 1947 when the Universidad Veracruzana started gathering archaeological pieces and preserving them for research. The building opened in 1986 and has since provided an overview of over a thousand years of pre-Columbian history in the Veracruz region.

The museum displays rooms dedicated to the Olmec people, where visitors see pottery, figurines, and altars that reveal the artistic power of this ancient society. The arrangement of objects allows people to understand the religious and daily practices of those who lived in this region.

The museum is open most days and allows visitors time to walk through multiple levels and explore the exhibitions at their own pace. The botanical gardens surrounding the building encourage people to take a break between the indoor spaces and get some fresh air.

The collection includes enormous limestone head sculptures representing Olmec rulers, some of the most remarkable objects in the world. These colossal portraits are so large that they require special exhibition rooms, where their sheer size surprises visitors.

Location: Xalapa

Architects: Edward Durell Stone

Official opening: 1957

Operator: Universidad Veracruzana

Part of: Universidad Veracruzana

Website: http://uv.mx/max

GPS coordinates: 19.55050,-96.93100

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02