Museo de Antropología de Xalapa — Attraction in Veracruz

I was very warmly received and purchased general admission and the English audio self-tour. I thoroughly enjoyed the special exhibition as well as all of the amazing Olmec artifacts this museum houses. The covered terrace areas feel like little time-capsule oases. The grounds may be my new "happy place" here in Xalapa; I spent almost as much time outside enjoying all the amazing trees and flowers as I spent inside in awe and reverence of the history and culture collected here. That being said, I did notice that the museum, while they do have some areas with wheelchair ramps, is still VERY inaccessible for those with disabilities, particularly mobility issues. E.g. the restrooms are located upstairs and then there are a couple steps up to the entrance of the restroom, and the restrooms themselves were very cramped, smelly, and didn't seem well cared for. Also, as a white American visiting here, I recognize I may have had a different experience in my treatment by the staff than perhaps locals and other Mexicans may receive, which saddens me. I sincerely hope (and will try to do my part so) that more money will be allocated to maintaining this gorgeous museum that is so important to México's cultural heritage, so that it can be even more accessible and comfortable for ALL. Will definitely be...

If you are interested in the Olmec civilization this is the place to go. While the collection is world class (I was disappointed that some of the exhibits were missing since they are on loan to other museums) the layout of the museum itself is exemplary. The museum consists of a large central corridor that has several exhibit halls off to the right. Between the exhibit halls are large courtyards that also display exhibits. The are few walls separating these larger spaces giving the museum an open layout (no going from one small room to the next in a maze-like layout). The museum also slopes gently down and you pass from the past to the present as you proceed down the central hallway.

I rented the audio tour and while it took some getting used to at first it was worth it. Note that the signage is not bilingual.

Additionally, the outside garden is lush and relaxing. Proceed through the museum to the end and then return to the entrance via the...

This is the place to go if you want to learn about Mexico's past. In my opinion this anthropological Museum located in xalapa Mexico is unmatched in its exhibitions of the many time periods of Mexico's development. All of Mexico's ancient cultures are represented and explained in detail and you will be glad you took the time to examine what this Museum holds. It is fairly inexpensive to go in there is a very nice snack restaurant if you get hungry or need to sit down and refresh yourself. The grounds themselves are beautiful with an expanse of lawns and trees for shade. Street parking is available in front of the museum. There are tours available inside the museum. There are information sheets in Spanish and English in each exhibit area. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to spend at least 5 hours if not more if you want to see everything in one visit but really it will take several visits to absorb all that...