Museum of the Photography Archive (MAF)

Art

In Mexico known as: Museo Archivo de la FotografĂ­a (MAF)

Museum Overview

Location & Contact

Address

RepĂşblica de Guatemala 34-38
Centro HistĂłrico
Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México 06010

Social Media

Museum Information

Permanent Exhibitions

3

Temporary Exhibitions

3

Founded

2006

Affiliation

Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México

Introduction

Discover a quiet treasure in Mexico City’s Centro Histórico at the Museo Archivo de la Fotografía, where intimate galleries of documentary and archival images illuminate Mexican visual history.

Museum Exhibitions

Discover the fascinating collections and special exhibitions

Permanent Collections

Permanent

La primera sala se encuentra el trabajo más conocido de Turok, correspondiente a las guerrillas en Nicaragua y El Salvador en la década de los ochenta, así como el levantamiento del EZLN en 1994.La segunda sala tiene una instalación que recrea el cuarto oscuro del artista, así como fotografías más personales del documentalista, quien comenzó a capturar la realidad en 1972. Entre estas imágenes, de gran valor estético, se exhibe la fotografía de su esposa embarazada.La última sala presenta múltiples núcleos fotográficos, como las imágenes que Turok captó del sismo de 1985, los atentados a Nueva York el 11 de septiembre de 2001 y la mayor parte de su obra realizada en el sur del país, así como un video y una instalación que el fotógrafo hizo en colaboración con el Colectivo Lapiztola y la artista visual Luisa Restrepo.

Highlights

  • Intimate galleries focused on documentary photography.
  • Deep dive into Mexico’s visual history.
  • Rotating archival collections and exhibitions.
  • Quiet, reflective spaces in central Mexico City.
  • Accessible urban museum with nearby cafĂ©s.

At a Glance

Visit Duration

Plan 60-120 minutes to explore at a relaxed pace.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings or early afternoon for lighter crowds.

Accessibility

Accessible entrances and elevator access; check with staff for specific gallery access.

Photography

Non-flash photography generally allowed; please respect artworks and posted notices.

WiFi

Public wifi may be limited; mobile data is recommended.

Facilities

Restrooms are on-site.

Hours

Abierto al público de martes a domingo de 10 a 18 hrs. Se permite el acceso con cámaras fotográficas sin flash Verify hours

Cost Information

Entrada libre

Tickets

Admission details are not published; verify at entrance or online if available.

Getting There

MAF is located at República de Guatemala 34-38 in Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City. The museum is accessible by Metro and bus, with a short walk from the Centro Histórico hub; taxis or rideshares are convenient for a direct trip.

Nearby Places

MUNAL (Museo Nacional de Arte)

museum

Pair a city art stroll with classic Mexican works.

5-10 min walk

Palacio de Bellas Artes

museum

Iconic murals and architecture worth a here-and-now visit.

10-15 min walk

Mercado de San Juan

market

Sample regional snacks and ingredients nearby.

6-10 min walk

Alameda Central

other

Historic park perfect for a post-visit stroll.

8-12 min walk

Plaza de la ConstituciĂłn (ZĂłcalo)

other

Nearby historic core with cafés and street life.

15-20 min walk

Visitor Policies

Photography

Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas; avoid flash and respect posted notices.

Bags & Storage

Large bags may require at-entry handling; some galleries may restrict bag sizes.

Strollers & Children

Strollers may be restricted in certain galleries; check at reception.

Lockers

Lockers are available for rental; sizes may vary.

Tips for Your Visit

To avoid crowds, plan weekday visits, arrive at opening time, and allocate a flexible window for a quiet, focused look at the archives. Consider visiting off-peak days and exploring nearby sites before or after your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MAF?

MAF is a compact museum in Cuauhtémoc dedicated to photography archives and documentary imagery.

What will I see here?

Expect a rotating program of archival photographs and historical prints from Mexican photographers.

Is photography allowed?

Non-flash photography is usually allowed; please follow posted guidelines.

Are guided tours available?

Guided options may exist; check at the entrance.

Is the museum accessible for all visitors?

The building offers some accessibility features; contact staff for details.

Are there facilities on site?

Restrooms are available; seating is limited in galleries.

Is there a café or food nearby?

There is no on-site cafe; nearby options are within a few blocks.

How long does a visit take?

Plan 60-120 minutes to explore at a comfortable pace.

Can children visit MAF?

Yes, exhibitions suit general audiences; parental guidance is recommended.

Where is the museum located within CDMX?

It sits in central Cuauhtémoc, near the Centro Histórico.

Can I request reproductions of works?

Requests for reproductions require permission from the archives and staff.

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