National Museum of Cartography

General

In Mexico known as: Museo Nacional de la CartografĂ­a

Museum Overview

Location & Contact

Address

Av. Observatorio 94, esq. Periférico
Tacubaya
Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11870

Museum Information

Permanent Exhibitions

10

Founded

1997

Affiliation

SEDENA

Introduction

Explore centuries of maps and cartography at the Museo Nacional de la CartografĂ­a, where historic charts reveal Mexico's evolving geography and bold exploratory routes. It's a photographer-friendly stop that pairs well with nearby landmarks for a full day of discovery.

Museum Exhibitions

Discover the fascinating collections and special exhibitions

Permanent Collections

Permanent

Este recinto cultural fue dividido en 10 ĂĄreas museogrĂĄficas para su exhibiciĂłn, siendo las siguientes: CÓDICES CARTOGRÁFICOS – Del latĂ­n codex, los cĂłdices fueron documentos pictogrĂĄficos o de imĂĄgenes elaborados por las culturas de las grandes civilizaciones; PRECURSORES DE LA CARTOGRAFÍA – Hombres sabios con conocimientos cientĂ­ficos, inteligencia y dedicaciĂłn que sentaron las bases para el desarrollo cartogrĂĄfico; MAPAS DE LA NUEVA ESPAÑA – Con la caĂ­da de la gran Tenochtitlan en 1521 y bajo la autoridad del virreinato de Nueva España, en 1535 se fundaron las audiencias y gobernaciones; MAPAS DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO – En el año de 1521, el virreinato de la Nueva España creĂł la Ciudad de MĂ©xico, situada en la parte meridional de la cuenca; COMISIÓN GEOGRÁFICA EXPLORADORA – Esta comisiĂłn fue creada en 1877, con el propĂłsito de formar la carta topogrĂĄfica general del paĂ­s; ÁREA DE INSTRUMENTOS – AquĂ­ se encuentran instrumentos fotogramĂ©tricos que sirvieron para realizar los trabajos de restituciĂłn por medio de fotografĂ­as aĂ©reas; LA DIRECCIÓN DE GEOGRAFÍA Y METEOROLOGÍA – El Presidente Venustiano Carranza en el año de 1914, conjuntĂł la ComisiĂłn GeogrĂĄfica-exploradora y geodĂ©sica dando origen a la direcciĂłn de estudios geogrĂĄficos; SECRETARÍA DE COMUNICACIONES Y OBRAS PÚBLICAS – A esta SecretarĂ­a se le asignaron las responsabilidades concernientes a las vĂ­as de comunicaciĂłn terrestres, marĂ­timas, y aĂ©reas, correos, telĂ©grafos y telefĂłnicos; DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE CARTOGRAFÍA – Dentro de las denominaciones que tuvo la DirecciĂłn General de CartografĂ­a fueron, la ComisiĂłn de EstadĂ­stica Militar (en 1939), algunos años despuĂ©s el Servicio GeogrĂĄfico del EjĂ©rcito y despuĂ©s Departamento CartogrĂĄfico, que tenĂ­a la funciĂłn de formar una carta de la RepĂșblica Mexicana; INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ESTADÍSTICA GEOGRAFÍA E INFORMÁTICA (INEGI) – Esta instituciĂłn es creada por el Gobierno de la RepĂșblica, el 25 de enero de 1983, teniendo como antecedente a la comisiĂłn de estudios del territorio nacional, fundada en octubre de 1968, dependĂ­a administrativamente de la SecretarĂ­a de Hacienda y CrĂ©dito PĂșblico, con autonomĂ­a para tomar decisiones tĂ©cnicas, su objetivo es proporcionar el Servicio PĂșblico de InformaciĂłn EstadĂ­stica y GeografĂ­a; CONSEJO DE RECURSOS MINERALES – Es un Organismo PĂșblico Descentralizado, con patrimonio propio, coordinado por la SecretarĂ­a de Industria y Fomento Industrial, para desarrollar la cartografĂ­a minera, su programa prioritario es llevar a cabo la elaboraciĂłn de cartas geolĂłgicas, mineras, geoquĂ­micas, geofĂ­sicas, magnĂ©ticas y temĂĄticas especializadas a escalas 1:50,000 y 1:250,000 cubriendo la totalidad del territorio nacional.

Highlights

  • Extensive historical maps collection
  • Interactive cartography displays
  • Topographic and architectural plans
  • Insightful artifacts on exploration
  • Photograph-friendly galleries

At a Glance

Visit Duration

Approximately 45-75 minutes.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon often offer calmer galleries.

Accessibility

The building offers accessibility features such as ramps and elevators.

Photography

Flash-free photography is generally allowed; check gallery signs for restrictions.

WiFi

WiFi is available in certain public areas.

Facilities

Restrooms are available on-site.

Hours

Tue–Sat 10 AM–5 PM; Sun 10 AM–4 PM; Mon Closed Verify hours

Tickets

Prices and policies vary; verify on the official site before your visit. Check pricing

Getting There

The museum is accessible by metro, bus, rideshare, or taxi from central Mexico City; plenty of nearby options for parking if you drive.

Nearby Places

Palacio de Bellas Artes

museum

Iconic murals and performances nearby.

0.5 miles (0.8 km)

ZĂłcalo (Plaza de la ConstituciĂłn)

other

Historic plaza with street performances.

0.7 miles (1.2 km)

Mercado de San Juan

market

Gourmet markets nearby.

0.8 miles (1.3 km)
museum

Colorful folk art exhibits.

0.9 miles (1.5 km)

Torre Latinoamericana

other

Panoramic city views from the observation deck.

1.2 miles (2.0 km)

Visitor Policies

Photography

Photography is allowed in most galleries without flash; signs may indicate restrictions in some rooms.

Bags & Storage

Bags may be subject to inspection at entry; large bags may be restricted.

Strollers & Children

Strollers are allowed in most areas, though some galleries may have narrow passageways.

Lockers

Lockers or coat checks may be available; verify on arrival.

Tips for Your Visit

Plan for busy days by visiting on weekdays, arriving at opening, and exploring less crowded wings first. Consider buying timed entry if available and taking a break mid-visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical visiting hours at Museo Nacional de la CartografĂ­a?

National Museum of Cartography hours vary; check the official site for current schedule

Is photography allowed at National Museum of Cartography?

Photography at Museo Nacional de la Cartografía Ciudad de México isflash-free generally allowed; signs may indicate restrictions in some galleries

Are tickets required in advance for Museo Nacional de la Cartografía Ciudad de México?

At Museo Nacional de la Cartografía, Ciudad de México, ticket policies vary; check the official site for current options and pricing

Is the museum stroller-friendly at Museo Nacional de la Cartografía, Ciudad de México?

At National Museum of Cartography Ciudad de México, strollers are allowed in most areas, though some galleries may have narrow passageways

Is National Museum of Cartography Ciudad de México accessible for visitors with disabilities?

At National Museum of Cartography, Ciudad de México, the building offers accessibility features such as ramps and elevators; confirm accessibility routes on arrival

What nearby attractions pair well with the visit at National Museum of Cartography, Ciudad de México?

At National Museum of Cartography Mexico City, nearby landmarks like palacio de bellas artes pair well for a day of culture

Are guided tours available at National Museum of Cartography Mexico City?

At National Museum of Cartography, Mexico City, guided tours or docents may be available; check the official site or arrival to join a group

Is there a cafe or dining nearby at National Museum of Cartography, Mexico City?

At Museo Nacional de la CartografĂ­a, cafes and nearby eateries are within walking distance in the area

What is the best way to reach the museum by public transit at Museo Nacional de la CartografĂ­a?

At National Museum of Cartography, the metro and buses serve the area; plan your route on local transit maps

Is there a coat check or lockers at National Museum of Cartography?

At Museo Nacional de la Cartografía Ciudad de México, lockers or coat checks may be available; verify on arrival

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Prices and availability are subject to change. Last updated: 10/9/2025

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