Palacio Cantón, Regional Museum of Anthropology in Yucatán

Palacio Cantón, The past and present of the Regional Museum of Anthropology of Yucatán,

The iconic Regional Museum of Anthropology in Mérida is an excellent choice for visitors and locals to better understand the cultural heritage of southeastern México. Nestled in an impressive mansion with charming French-style architecture on Paseo de Montejo, known as Palacio Cantón, the museum encourages us to think about the important social events that have shaped our region throughout the years.

Originally built between 1904 and 1911 at the end of the Porfiriato era, Palacio Cantón was the home of Francisco Cantón Rosado, who governed Yucatán from 1898 to 1902. Eventually, the building was passed down to his son and later to the State Government after being a family home for some time.

After serving as the headquarters of Yucatán’s School of Fine Arts and the official residence for the state's governors, it became the Regional Museum of Anthropology in 1966, through an agreement with México’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, INAH.

Since then, the museum has been dedicated to sharing the great discoveries and remains of the Maya culture, as well as the diverse history of our state and surrounding areas. Since 2012, with the inauguration of Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (The Great Museum of the Maya World), its permanent exhibition was removed, giving way to continuous temporary exhibitions that encourage reflection on fascinating topics, from our pre-Hispanic past to our current society.

2025 Exhibitions you can currently find

On December 10 2025, just in time to celebrate its 65th anniversary, the Regional Museum of Anthropology of Yucatán, Palacio Cantón, reopened its doors after a brief closure. The reopening ceremony unveiled three captivating exhibitions: “Ek Chuah: El comercio entre los mayas (Trade Among the Maya)”, “Palacio Cantón: Testigo de la historia (Witness to History)”, and “De Primissimo Cartello”.  

With guided tours led by curators Luis Millet and Blanca González Rodríguez, I had the chance to explore the world of these new installations to share the experience with you. The new exhibitions at Palacio Cantón not only narrate historical fragments of Yucatecan lands but also invite us to celebrate and participate in preserving our heritage.  

Ek Chuah: Trade among the Maya  

The first exhibition greets visitors with an immersive exploration of the social phenomenon of trade in Maya civilization, a practice that allowed the Maya to connect with diverse cultural groups.  

Through this exhibition, you’ll learn about the long journeys undertaken by merchants, the transportation methods they used, maritime routes, traded goods, and the types of currency in circulation. You’ll also see artifacts like vessels, plates, and figurines that were part of these exchanges.  

In addition, you’ll meet Ek Chuah, the central figure of this story. Ek Chuah, the god of cacao and protector of merchants, was celebrated through festivals and rituals to safeguard traders on their challenging journeys. 

Palacio Cantón: Witness to history  

On the museum's second floor, you'll find an extensive timeline detailing every stage of the building's life. Walking through it feels like traveling back in time to the days of General Francisco Cantón Rosado and his family, the palace's original residents. Starting in 1833 with the general’s birth and moving through the construction of his renowned home, you’ll uncover significant moments from his military, political, and business career.  

As part of this exhibit, you can marvel at fascinating photographs of Palacio Cantón’s construction and the iconic Paseo de Montejo in the early 20th century. You'll also learn about the many roles this building has played since being acquired by the state government in 1933, including housing the School of Fine Arts, serving as a governor’s residence, and even functioning as an elementary school.  

De Primissimo Cartello  

Discover the life and work of Pedro Guerra Jordán, the owner of Fotografía Guerra, a renowned photography studio that served Yucatecan society from 1876 to 1981.  

Originally founded by Spaniards José Huertas and Francisco Olivares, the studio was acquired by Pedro Guerra in 1879. Guerra’s photography quickly gained recognition, specializing in three types of portraits: studio portraits, on-location portraits requested by clients, and documentation of political, social, and cultural events.  

In this compact yet insightful installation, you’ll find a variety of images created by this famous Yucatecan institution. These include a portrait of Francisco Cantón Rosado himself and a photograph of General Salvador Alvarado signing the act of the first land redistribution in México in 1916.  

The three exhibitions are now open to the public and will be on display through the first half of 2025, with the possibility of extension. Don’t miss the chance to visit Palacio Cantón and immerse yourself in these significant narratives of our cultural heritage.  

Activities around its exhibitions

To delve deeper into the content and context of each exhibition, the Regional Museum of Anthropology at Palacio Cantón frequently organizes themed activities such as lectures, workshops, and guided tours. You can also attend their regular concerts, book presentations, and children's courses. Stay informed about these events through their social media channels, listed below.

Museum admission is $95 pesos, but students, teachers, children under 13, seniors, and visitors with disabilities can enter for free. On Sundays, admission is free for Mexican nationals with valid ID.  

Be sure to check the museum's social media channels for updates on guided tours. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Museo Regional de Antropología de Yucatán, Palacio Cantón
Calle 43 #485 x Paseo de Montejo, Centro
IG: mpalaciocanton
FB: Museo Palacio Cantón
Tue. - Sun. 8 am - 5 pm