This is a wonderful museum in a stunning building with ornate exterior and interior architecture. Exhibits range across time periods and painting styles. The museum collection specializes in the history of Mexican art, with occasional international art as well.

The large plaza in the front of the neoclassical building is the current home of the equestrian statue of Charles IV of Spain, by Tolsá (his museum is across the street). One can tell when "manifestaciones" and street protests are coming depending on the presence of barricades around the statue.

The divided stairway to the upper floors is magnificent. The rooms on the ground floor to the left often feature 20th century artists. It can be a little challenging to follow the expected flow pattern upstairs as floor arrows and signs indicating the direction one should walk from exhibit room to exhibit room are often confusing or currently inaccurate. There are 2 sets of elevators to assist visitors with limited mobility to access the upper floors, and the staff are helpful in pointing visitors in the right direction for different special exhibits.

In November 2023, but ending December 3, the museum has an exhibit of the paintings of Rodrigo Pimentel, a 20th century artist from Michoacán. I was unfamiliar with his work and didn't expect to like it as I often find more contemporary paintings off-putting and cold, but his colorful and intense interpretations of masks and nature are striking. I ended up purchasing the exhibit book in the main attractive museum gift shop.

There several rooms with a number of larger 19th century landscapes by Jose María Velasco, a favorite, as well as other historical landscape artists. They're a good antidote to the usual chaos of the city.

Check online for current exhibits. There's a 5 peso charge, in addition to the entry fee, to take photos. One receives a folded paper "ring" to wear for the security guards to see that you have paid the photo fee.

If you enjoy Mexican art, plan to spend hours, if not several visits, here.