Mexico City attractions

Known colloquially as the MUAC, Mexico City’s University Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo) brings together one of the largest public collections of contemporary work from Mexican artists in an architecturally noteworthy building. Over 14,000-square-feet (1,300-square-meters), explore permanent and temporary exhibits, grab lunch at the on-site café, and explore the surrounding UNAM campus it calls home.

The 17th-century La Profesa—a striking example of turn-of-the-century baroque architecture—served as the backdrop for several key moments in Mexican history. Nowadays, visitors to La Profesa can admire a reliquary allegedly containing splinters from Jesus’ cross, before exploring La Pinacoteca de la Profesa, the church’s impressive colonial-era art gallery.

Hailed as the crescendo of Luis Barragán’s career, Casa Gilardi showcases the skill of one of Mexico’s most acclaimed architects. In typical Barragán style, the modernist property celebrates light, color, and clean lines; its design reflects its urban location and the taste of the advertising executive that commissioned Barragán to create his final project.

Spanning more than 80,730 square feet (7,500 square meters), the Museo de Historia Natural in Mexico City is housed within a series of colorful dome structures, which showcase more than 2,500 specimens. It’s a must-visit museum for anthropology buffs and a fun and educational experience for kids, too.