Quinta Montes Molina 
Museum Mansion

The Quinta Montes Molina, once known as Villa Beatriz, was built during the Porfirio Díaz period (1876 - 1911.) With eclectic architecture and neoclassic tendencies, it was built by Don Aurelio Portuondo y Barcelo.

Don Aurelio was a prosperous businessman from Havana, Cuba, who, when he came Mérida, not only fell in love with the city, but also with the Señorita Josefa Regil Cazares.

After the wedding, he moved to Mérida and became a partner in the construction of the Peon Contreras Theater (Calles 60 and 57.) Killing two birds with one stone, he used the same European architects and builders to build his new home.

In 1915, due to the economical and political situations caused by the Mexican Revolution, he sold his home to a family he knew would appreciate it and treat it with tender loving care. The family that bought the home was that of don Avelino Montes Linaje.

Don Avelino was a prominent businessman and banker, and played an important part in the development of the Yucatecan economic plan in the early 1900s. He respected the original construction of the mansion and then enriched it with spacious terraces and more bedrooms. The results of his labors of love can be seen today during the guided tours of this mansion/museum.

This is the perfect opportunity to see the inside of an elegant, authentic, fully and beautifully furnished Paseo Montejo mansion, with the original chandeliers, mirrors, antique furnishings, rugs, paintings, statues and sculptures, Limoge china and Chiristofle silverware.

Upon the death of Don Avelino, his daughter Josefina Montes Molina inherited the mansion and decided to conserve everything as it was and keep it exactly "as if don Avelino was about to walk through the door coming home for lunch."

Presently, the mansion and its furnishings are in optimum condition and the descendants of don Avelino Montes have decided to open the mansion to the public as a museum and as a place to celebrate either a local or destination wedding, baptism, 15 años, first communion, graduation, concert, seminar, or business event, and even exclusive executive and State dinners. Events can range from an intimate dinner for two to a magna event for 1,500.

Paseo de Montejo No. 469 x 33 y 35, just a few blocks from the hotel zone and commercial and financial centers. And, just 5 minutes from the Historical Center in downtown Mérida. You can take a horse and buggy ride there and back!

Tours in English: Mon-Fri. 9 am, 11 am, 3 pm. Sat. 9 am, 11 am. Entry: 50 pesos adults, 30 pesos kids.

Tours in Spanish: Mon-Fri. 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm. Sat: 10 am, 12 pm.

Tel (999) 925 5999 and (999) 925 5124

Fax (999) 925 5998
www.laquintamm.com