The Railway Museum in Mérida: History on the Move
Mérida has museums for all tastes, each offering its own way to captivate you with something interesting to learn. This October, the new Railway Museum, located in La Plancha Park, kicked into gear and opened its doors, inviting you on a journey through the tracks of the past. In its five immersive rooms, the trains tell stories that have shaped our present, surprising both young and old. Curious for more? Here’s a preview of what you’ll find in each room.
From Steam Engines to Modern Trains
As you cross the entrance, you’ll feel as if you're inside a train passing through a tunnel (yes, sound effects included!), signaling the start of the adventure. This first room takes you back to the origins of the railway, showing how its development marked key moments in history. Here you’ll find tools and artifacts that kept these engines chugging along, plus a stunning stained glass masterpiece, “Movimiento Continuo (Continuous Movement)”, by Miguel Ángel Flores, which blends Maya culture with the cosmos, capturing the passage of time in a single work.
México Hops on the Train
This room tells the fascinating story of railroads in Mexico, from their very first projects to their nationalization in 1938, highlighting just how crucial the railways were during the Mexican Revolution. Awaiting you is the imposing Locomotive 270, which arrived from Philadelphia in 1903 and is now ready for you to climb aboard and explore its tender and boiler. Did you know that some of its “sister” trains are on display at Walt Disney World? You’ll also see a representation of the Metlac Bridge, the old link between México and Veracruz, showcasing how trains powered the country's connections.
As a closing touch, there’s a tribute to the 201st Fighter Squadron, which, by train, set out to make history during World War II. If you’re not familiar, the 201st Fighter Squadron was México’s air combat unit, specifically created to join the Allies in 1942. Comprising roughly 300 volunteers, the 201st Fighter Squadron, known as the Aztec Eagles, was attached to the United States Army Air Forces’ 58th Fighter Group (which fought in the Southwest Pacific Theater), and bravely participated in the liberation of the Philippines.
The Consolidation of Yucatecan Railways and the Central Station
In this room, a single step transports you into the world of the henequén haciendas, where hacendados (estate owners) financed the railways to facilitate the transport of Yucatán’s “green gold.” At the center stands Locomotive 350, another Philadelphia transplant, imposing with its story of service on the Mérida-Progreso route. As a special feature, a 360-degree video mapping projection brings the room to life, with the walls and locomotive dazzlingly illustrating the Maya legend of the god Zamná and henequén in a colorful display of lights. Plus, you'll spot some beautiful pieces made from soskil (henequén fiber) by Marcela Díaz, adding an authentic touch and connecting the story to the cultural richness of the state.
A Network of Networks
The fourth room is styled like the old Central Station of Mérida, featuring a bust of José Rendón Peniche, the governor who helped bring trains to the city. But the real excitement awaits in the Mary Lee: a second-class passenger car reinvented as a 4D simulator. This experience is definitely one of the most immersive in the museum. Each time you visit, a hologram will take you on a different journey through time, sharing fascinating stories related to the railroad and its impact on the region. Trust me, you'll want to hop on more than once! I could share more, but I’d rather keep you curious so you can discover it all by yourself.
Today’s Railroads
In this reflective room, you’ll find an impressive video wall with over 15 screens where you can learn more about the future of railroads and the innovations shaping tomorrow’s rail transportation. It’s a perfect ending to absorb everything you’ve learned and experienced.
Additional spaces in the Railway Museum
The museum also features a temporary exhibition room, where local, national, and international artists display their work. Currently, you can admire textile sculptures by Marcela Díaz, but the space is also set to host workshops and recreational activities in the future. Don’t forget to visit the dining car and the souvenir shop, where you’ll find train models, history books, and locomotive replicas.
Open from 10 am to 5 pm, the museum greets you with the cheerful sound of horns signaling its opening and closing, inviting you to dive into a railway legacy lovingly restored by experts right here in Mérida. It’s amazing to think that these majestic trains, now gleaming in display, were once fully operational. Keep in mind that we've only given you a sneak peek here; there's much more waiting for you to discover and learn. So, all aboard! As the hologram in Mary Lee says, “let’s keep traveling along the iron paths.”
Calle 43 #429-C x 46 y 48, Colonia Industrial (inside La Plancha Park)
Tue. - Sun. 10 am - 5 pm
Admission fees:
$120 pesos, foreigners
$80 pesos, Mexican citizens
$40 pesos, students, teachers, seniors, and Yucatecan residents (free for Yucatecos on Sundays)
Free for children under 13
Photography by Carlos Guzmán, for its use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 444, in December 2024.
Related articles
