Museo Soumaya

Most days, lines form outside the doors of Museo Soumaya, where anticipation buzzes among travelers, school groups, and local families. Some come right at opening; others drift in as the sunlight reflects on the almost liquid facade. Before visiting, consider both timing and route. Museo Soumaya is located in the bustling Nuevo Polanco district, surrounded by shops, upscale restaurants, and leafy plazas. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the art inside.

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings see fewer crowds than weekends or holidays. Mexico City is mild year-round, but March to early June means lighter traffic and pleasant weather.
• How to get there: Taxi or ride-share provides the easiest arrival for visitors carrying bags, though the San Joaquín Metro station (Line 7) is within walking distance. Bike lanes and pedestrian paths connect nearby neighborhoods, perfect for explorers staying in Polanco or Anzures.
• Accessibility: The museum offers ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Friendly staff assist seniors, families with strollers, or anyone needing extra help.
• Average visit duration: Plan for at least 90 minutes to enjoy major collections. Art lovers or families with kids may linger two hours or more.

Inside Museo Soumaya, six light-filled levels spiral around a central atrium, each with its own surprises. Over 6,000 works line the walls, from gilded frames to sleek sculptures. Some rooms hum with the work of old masters; others pop with modern color and unexpected details. While large crowds migrate to headline pieces by European giants, smaller galleries showcase Mexico’s unsung talents and stories.

• The Rodin Gallery: Largest collection of Auguste Rodin outside France. Stare into the brooding eyes of The Thinker or examine delicate bronzes up close.
• European Masters: See paintings by El Greco, Rubens, Monet, and van Gogh. Many pieces stay off the radar elsewhere, making this a chance for close encounters.
• Mexican Art: Don’t miss the mural-scale paintings and colonial silverwork. Local artists like Diego Rivera get their due, alongside folk crafts and religious icons.
• Photo spots: The fifth floor’s glass ceilings fill the halls with natural light—perfect for bright, dramatic photos. The grand spiral staircase doubles as a popular selfie location, while the tiled exterior stuns from every angle.
• Cultural facts: Museo Soumaya is privately funded and free to all, part of Carlos Slim’s legacy. The building’s shape nods both to the seashell and the human form, blending tradition with innovation.