National Museum of Anthropology – Mexico City – Part One

Day One – Hope you are well rested as we start the day at the NMA. As previously noted it is huge with 44,000 sq. metres of exhibitions on 2 floors. It was created on this site in Chapultepec Park in 1964. Pace yourselves as we travel through the various halls. In most cases you can take photos without flash. If in doubt, ask Sergio to check with the security. We will stop for lunch here midday. (If you are fatigued, you can choose to go back to the Hotel or explore more of Chapultepec Park which is nearby –

Chapultepec Park, or Grasshopper Hill, is the largest city park in the world, an awesome expanse of greenery marbled with walking paths that meander between quiet ponds, monumental buildings, and a world-class collection of museums. Visitors could enjoy a quiet afternoon in its embrace, surrounded the sidewalk stands, soccer games, and other amusements, or explore the park for months on end, finding something new every day.

The park was probably set aside as greenspace in the 1300s, but wasn’t officially protected until 1428, by King Nezahualcoyotl. The Spanish and Mexican governments have since maintained most of its natural integrity, though they did add aqueducts, palaces, and other public spaces within.

The most popular attractions include the massive zoo, also founded in the 1400s; the National Museum of Anthropology; La Feria Chapultepec Mágico, a small amusement park; and the President’s mansion at Los Pinos.

For now, let’s get started with the NMA.

Upon approaching the Museum you will see a large statue of Tlaloc, the god of rain and fertility. It wa found outside Mexico City and transported to its current location in 1964.

This is a rare historical photograph (click on it to enlarge) of the original colossal (23 feet high) stone statue to Tlaloc where it lay for centuries in a dry stream bed in the village of Coatlinchan, 30 miles from Mexico City – before it was transported on the back of a giant purpose-built trailer to its present location, standing proudly at the entrance to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. (Written/compiled by Ian Mursell/Mexicolore).

Tlaloc lying on his back in a stream bed, with children climbing on him.

And this is how you will see him – all 168 TONS of him!

Tlaloc in front of the NMA

Once we walk past this monolith, we approach the actual Museum –

Interior courtyard of NMA with its ‘umbrella roof’ supported by a hammered bronze sculptured pillar, which also doubles as a fountain.

Here’s a better photo of the actual column –

Try NOT to get wet as it will be a long day!

From here we will start our journey through the 10 halls (well maybe). The Museum is divided into the following ‘salas’ – Introduction to Anthropology and Mesoamerica, Pre-classic, Teotihuacan, Toltec, Aztec and Mexica, Oaxaca, Gulf Coast (Olmec), Maya, Western Coast, Northern Cultures and Ethnography (textiles, costumes, art of the indigenous peoples. Not to worry there are lots of ‘banos” (washrooms).
See if you can find these locations when you get there –

Pregnant Monkey vessel made from Black Obsidian

The Sun Stone, often erroneously referred to as the Aztec Calendar.

Olmec head

One of the above is the most valuable treasure in the NMA. Can you guess which one it is?

Well that is all for today’s teaser. The next post will contain links to each of the various halls so you can do a Virtual Tour. Unfortunately they are all in Spanish, but will give you the flavour of the Museum. Speaking of flavor..time for lunch here!

Tags: Aztec Calendar, Aztecs, Chapultepec Park, Grasshopper Hill, Maya, Mexica, Oaxaca, obsidian, Olmec, pregnant monkey, Sun Stone, Teotihuacan, Tlaloc, Toltec