The Museo Nacional de Antropología’s 5 Must-See Exhibits

Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first; the infamous Aztec sunstone (sometimes wrongly referred to as the calendar stone) that was unearthed during the building of the Metropolitan Cathedral in 1790. Weighing in at 24 tonnes, this is a truly magnificent archaeological masterpiece that may well seem strangely familiar, probably because it features on the back of the ten-peso coin. While many theories have been proposed about the meaning of the sun stone, no common conclusion has been reached. Nevertheless, it’s easily the most emblematic exhibit of the Anthropology Museum.

Moctezuma II was an Aztec ruler who was in charge during the time of the Spanish Conquest, and legend has it that this headdress belonged to him. Made from vibrant, peacock blue and green quetzal feathers (along with those of some other birds) which are sewn with gold thread in a semi-circular arc around the headpiece, it’s an unmissable and spectacular piece of Mexican history. Having said that, the National Anthropology Museum is only in possession of a replica of this magnificent artefact, as the genuine one rather controversially resides in Vienna.

This 16th-century Aztec statue was discovered at the base of Mexico’s second tallest mountain Popocatépetl in the 19th century. Depicting the figure of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of art, games and dance, it appears to show him in the midst of an ecstatic, drug-induced state. This interpretation is reinforced by the seemingly hallucinogenic plants which are carved all over it and his body language and positioning. A fascinating example of Mesoamerican sculpture, detailing cultural experiences that many agree have never been depicted in European art, it’s certainly a must-see.

Not technically an exhibit in itself, El Paraguas is an iconic installation within the National Anthropology Museum and will be almost instantly recognisable to most who have already visited or even done some light research into this museum. Located in the central courtyard, it’s a towering water feature of sorts which was constructed in 1964 at the same time as the edifice itself. Made of concrete, there is a constant and almost deafening cascade of water streaming from it on a daily basis. However, it is a must-see in the museum.

A replica of the original, which is still located in the magnificent archaeological ruins of Palenque in Chiapas, the National Anthropology Museum’s version of Pakal’s tomb is just as intriguing. Famed for having an incredibly long 68-year reign, K’inich Janaab Pakal I (also spelt Pacal) was a Mayan ruler. The replica of his tomb in Mexico City features an impressive display which includes his jade funerary mask and many beaded articles, the originals of which were found on him when his tomb in Palenque was discovered in 1952.