The Coolest Museums in Cancun You Have to Visit

Museo Maya de Cancun
Museo Maya de Cancun | ©|David Stanley/Flickr

Most thrill seekers who venture to Cancun go in search of warm beaches, stiff drinks and mega resorts. Museums are often an afterthought, overshadowed by night clubs, beach bars and margaritas. However, the art scene here is absolutely thriving. Museums in Cancun might not display works of Rembrandt or Caravaggio, but they’re guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on guests.

1. Mexican Folk Art Museum

Museum, Park

Mexican Figurines
©Scott Clark/Flickr
The crafts and creations of Mexican artisans can be viewed at this eclectic museum in abundance. With no shortage of bright and contrasting colors, the sculptures and figurines here tell a story of the local people and their Mayan heritage. Venture through the diverse and rich lands of Mexico by viewing the different pieces that represent each nuance of Mexican culture. One of the most notable pieces held here are the museum’s collection of Los Dias De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) dolls.

The Mexican Folk Art Museum is an easy bus ride away from Cancun in the Xcaret eco-archaeological park. Once you arrive, there are countless cultural sites and experiences to take part in.

2. Museo Maya de Cancun

Museum

Cancun sits at the very tip of the Yucatan peninsula, speckled with archaeological sites dating back to when Mayans ruled this ancient land. However, trekking around Mayan ruins under Mexico’s unforgiving sun can become daunting, especially if you don’t know what the structures represent.

Museo Maya de Cancun houses Mayan artifacts that were discovered throughout the state of Quintana Roo. With corridors of preserved pieces and a wealth of information, visitors can get lost, exploring for hours. Not only is the San Miguelito archaeological site on the actual grounds, but hoards of iguanas can also be found scampering around this multi-million dollar property.

Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA)

Pictures from the MUSA quickly went viral as wanderlust 20-somethings started to share, like and repost the astounding images of this museum that lies on the ocean floor. The incredible hues of the water in this region attract crowds, who unknowingly do a lot of damage during their time here. Swimming, snorkeling and diving near the Mesoamerican Coral Reef can cause irreversible damage to this delicate ecosystem.

Art director, Jason DeCaires Taylor, aims to combat this with over 500 life-size sculptures that actually promote coral reef growth. This museum entertains spectators while sharing with them an amazing experience, deep beneath the crashing waves. Ride in a glass-bottom boat, snorkel or dive to see these astounding pieces up close.

MUSA Museo Subacuático de Arte, Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 15.3, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

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