National Museum of Cartography
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
Phone
Website
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
Permanent Collections
Este recinto cultural fue dividido en 10 ĂĄreas museogrĂĄficas para su exhibiciĂłn, siendo las siguientes: CĂDICES CARTOGRĂFICOS â Del latĂn codex, los cĂłdices fueron documentos pictogrĂĄficos o de imĂĄgenes elaborados por las culturas de las grandes civilizaciones; PRECURSORES DE LA CARTOGRAFĂA â Hombres sabios con conocimientos cientĂficos, inteligencia y dedicaciĂłn que sentaron las bases para el desarrollo cartogrĂĄfico; MAPAS DE LA NUEVA ESPAĂA â 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 MĂXICO â 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; COMISIĂN GEOGRĂFICA EXPLORADORA â Esta comisiĂłn fue creada en 1877, con el propĂłsito de formar la carta topogrĂĄfica general del paĂs; ĂREA DE INSTRUMENTOS â AquĂ se encuentran instrumentos fotogramĂ©tricos que sirvieron para realizar los trabajos de restituciĂłn por medio de fotografĂas aĂ©reas; LA DIRECCIĂN DE GEOGRAFĂA Y METEOROLOGĂA â 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; SECRETARĂA DE COMUNICACIONES Y OBRAS PĂBLICAS â A esta SecretarĂa se le asignaron las responsabilidades concernientes a las vĂas de comunicaciĂłn terrestres, marĂtimas, y aĂ©reas, correos, telĂ©grafos y telefĂłnicos; DIRECCIĂN GENERAL DE CARTOGRAFĂA â 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 ESTADĂSTICA GEOGRAFĂA E INFORMĂTICA (INEGI) â 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 â 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
TueâSat 10 AMâ5 PM; Sun 10 AMâ4 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
Iconic murals and performances nearby.
ZĂłcalo (Plaza de la ConstituciĂłn)
Historic plaza with street performances.
Mercado de San Juan
Gourmet markets nearby.
Museo de Arte Popular
Colorful folk art exhibits.
Torre Latinoamericana
Panoramic city views from the observation deck.
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 CartografĂa Ciudad de MĂ©xico isflash-free generally allowed; signs may indicate restrictions in some galleries
Are tickets required in advance for Museo Nacional de la CartografĂa Ciudad de MĂ©xico?
At Museo Nacional de la CartografĂa, Ciudad de MĂ©xico, ticket policies vary; check the official site for current options and pricing
Is the museum stroller-friendly at Museo Nacional de la CartografĂa, Ciudad de MĂ©xico?
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 CartografĂa Ciudad de MĂ©xico, lockers or coat checks may be available; verify on arrival
đ Recommended Travel Guides
Enhance your museum experience with these curated travel guides for Mexico.



Prices and availability are subject to change. Last updated: 10/9/2025
Recent Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience at National Museum of Cartography!