The Best Museums in Cancun that you must visit
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Are you looking for the best museums in Cancun? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
This list includes seven of Cancun’s top museums! You’ll find traditional exhibits on folklore and Mayan artifacts, a museum dedicated to tequila, an underwater museum of art accessible by snorkel or scuba dive, a collection of vintage cars, a museum on the street, and oddities galore.
Whether you are looking for a rainy-day activity or want to learn about rally racing in Mexico, this post has something for you!
Read on to learn everything you need to know about these top seven Cancun museums that you must visit.
7 Best Museums in Cancun
1. Cancun Underwater Museum of Art
Are you ready for something truly unique? If so, visiting the “Museo Subacuatico de Arte” could be a great option.
This fascinating museum is located at the bottom of the sea. Over 500 life-size sculptures rise through the surrounding waters of the ocean floor, their whimsical forms supporting coral reefs and marine life.
A large majority of the underwater gallery in the Cancún Underwater Museum was created by sculptor Jason Decaires Taylor.
He creates the forms from non-toxic materials that degrade over time. Some of his most well-known creations include his “Silent Evolution” series.
While staying in Cancún or Isla Mujeres, it is well worth visiting the Museo Subacuático de Arte, also known as MUSA.
To visit, you must book a snorkeling tour, scuba diving tour, or glass-bottom boat tour. It is possible to go on a group tour or get your own boat for the day with a private tour operator.
During this outing, you’ll get to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean sea. You’re also sure to learn some intriguing facts about environmental science and sea life in the Cancun National Marine Park, where MUSA is located–not to mention get the chance to see incredible pieces of artwork melded with nature. Cool!
Scuba divers are sure to love this bottom-of-the-ocean museum! For non-scuba divers, a snorkel tour or glass-bottom boat tour is a great choice.
Tour prices range from $30 to over $900.
2. Mayan Museum of Cancun
Another one of the best museums to visit during your Yucatan Peninsula vacation is the Mayan Museum of Cancun, also known as the Museo Maya de Cancun.
This great museum is located in the heart of the hotel zone and includes exhibition halls and the archaeological site of San Miguelito.
The main building was designed by a Mexican architect and includes massive windows with views of Nichupte Lagoon and ruins created by ancient civilizations.
While there, you can see some relevant state of Quintana Roo pieces, fragments of ceramics, jewelry, masks, sculptures, and tools in a series of different galleries.
It’s a great way to learn Mayan history and explore ancient Mayan culture. The calm winding paths through the San Miguelito ruins also offer an excellent opportunity to escape from the chaos of the hotel zone.
This museum in the Riviera Maya is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. It costs 65 MXN to enter.
Anyone over 60 and under 13 gets free admission. You can find the museum at Km 16 of Kukulcán Boulevard.
The National Institute of Anthropology runs the Maya Museum of Cancun.
3. The Mexican Folk Art Museum (Xcaret)
Ready for a road trip? If so, consider putting the Mexican Folk Art Museum on your list! This museum is situated on the grounds of a jungle tour theme park called Xcaret.
It’s about a one-hour drive from Cancún.
The museum features folk art from all of the different states in Mexico and in all different mediums.
There are masks, crucifixes, Day of the Dead dolls, Lady of Guadalupe figurines, intricate Tree of Life ceramic pieces, and so much more!
Although it is small, this is one of the coolest local museums around. It is located inside a 19th-century hacienda replica with gorgeous pottery, a colonial-style kitchen, and fabulous handicrafts in every room.
As far as tourist attractions go, this one is a winner.
What better way to immerse yourself in the significant culture of the country than through its artwork?
This Mexican Folk Art Museum is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm. Entrance to the museum is included in the Xcaret Park price of admission, which is $110 for adults and $84.50 for children under 5-11 years old.
The basic package includes access to over 50 Xcaret cultural and natural attractions.
4. Tequila Sensory Museum in Cancun
The official drink of Cancun is tequila, so going to the Tequila Sensory Museum while on your next trip to the Mexican Caribbean makes sense.
Head to this small museum inside Plaza Kukulcán, a local shopping mall. Here, you’ll get a comprehensive look at everything to do with Tequila.
You’ll learn how it is produced, how the flavor is impacted by how long it is aged inside barrels, and how to best enjoy drinking the beverage.
You’ll also have the chance to taste various different tequilas, all for a great price.
The Tequila Sensory Museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 12 pm to 8:30 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5:30 pm.
The cost varies depending on how many tastings you want but ranges from 60 to 150 MXN.
5. Street Art
Although there is no official street art museum, the artwork adorning the walls and alleys of Cancun offers incredible insight into the culture and history of Mexico.
Walking around the city with a local guide is bound to be an unforgettable experience–and worthy of inclusion on this museum list.
You’ll learn about different street art techniques and styles, as well as the meaning behind the murals.
Top-notch artists from Cancun, Guadalajara, Mexico City, and international locations have added their genius to the local buildings.
Although you can check out these Yucatán Peninsula works of art on your own, going on a street art walking tour is the preferred mode for many travelers.
The walking tour costs approximately $65 and lasts 2 to 2.5 hours.
Tip: If you plan to travel to Playa del Carmen as well, you may want to check out the 3d museum of wonders which is full of cool optical illusions.
6. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
If you’re looking for a great place to spend a rainy afternoon, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum in Cancun could be a fantastic choice.
Although not specific to Cancun, Ripley’s always makes for an interesting few hours. Not only will you see all sorts of oddities, but you’ll also learn intriguing and weird facts, enjoy interactive activities, see creative art, hear weirder-than-fiction true stories, and see rare animals.
Ripley’s in Cancun is located at La Isla Entertainment Village. You can choose to enjoy multiple attractions while you’re there, including enjoying the Cancun Wax Museum where you can take pictures of figures like Marilyn Monroe and Albert Einstein.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. If you opt for the Sky Pass, you can visit 6 attractions for only $30 apiece.
Sounds like the perfect place to spend an afternoon!
7. Old Car Museum of Southeastern Mexico
If you love old cars, the Old Car Museum of Southeastern Mexico could make your trip to Cancun (if not the entire country) extra special.
This is a private museum, but absolutely worth a visit! Not only does it feature antique cars dating from 1917 to 1992, but it also features an exhibit about the Pan-American Race.
The museum was created by a group of friends skilled in the art of conservation of old automobiles.
You can see over 20 different cars while you’re there, including coupes, luxury cars, sports cars, and more… some of which are over 100 years old!
Not only that, several of the museum staff are avid racers who have participated in the “Rally Maya Mexico” and “La Carrera Panamericana”.
This museum is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 pm. You can book a visit by calling +52 998 874 0946 or emailing maasureste@gmail.com.
According to some Trip Advisor visitors, there is no entrance fee, but you’re encouraged to buy a t-shirt and hat to help fund the museum.
Cancun Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cancun have museums?
Yes! Cancun has museums ranging from traditional museums such as the Mexican Folk Art Museum and the Maya Museum of Cancun to non-traditional museums such as the Underwater Museum of Art.
While in Cancun, you can explore a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions, learn more about Mexican culture through street art, and delve into the world of tequila, car racing, and more.
What is Cancun best known for?
Cancun is best known for its beaches, nightlife, and resorts. It is also considered the gateway to the Riviera Maya and the archeology of Quintana Roo.
From Cancún, many visitors explore the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, which is considered one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Here, you can see El Castillo, the most famous temple in Chichen Itza.
Visitors to Cancún also enjoy taking boat tours, tequila tours, snorkel tours, whale shark tours, going deep sea fishing, and visiting Isla Mujeres.
What should I be careful of in Cancun?
While in Cancún you should be careful of pickpockets. Avoid flaunting your wealth, taking expensive items out and about with you, or carrying excessive quantities of cash.
Leave valuables at home and make use of your hotel’s safe-deposit box for cash reserves and documents.
You should also be careful when drinking in Cancún. Drink-spiking can occur, so never leave your drink unattended and avoid getting drunk.
It’s also best to avoid going out at night if you are alone.
The tap water is not purified in Cancun and is not suitable for drinking. Buy bottled or filtered water to use for drinking, brushing your teeth, etc.
It is fine to wash your hands and body with tap water.
You should also be careful of riptides when you are swimming.
What is the best month to go to Cancun?
The best month to go to Cancun is in either December, November, April, or May. These are considered shoulder months in Cancun, so you’ll enjoy fewer crowds.
As an added plus, the weather is usually mild and delightful.
How many days in Cancun is enough?
If you’re wondering how many days in Cancun is enough, the answer is 4 days. Although some travelers only spend two nights, four nights will give you the chance to see more of Cancun and the surrounding areas.
Of course, everyone has different preferences, so the perfect amount of time for you may be different than for another traveler.
What is the most beautiful beach in Cancun?
The most beautiful beach in Cancun is probably Playa Norte. This pristine beach looks like something out of a magazine.
It’s the perfect place to kick back with a tropical drink and enjoy the see-through water and gorgeous white sand.
If you prefer a beach that is more secluded, you may want to visit Playa Maroma or Isla Blanca instead.
Can you walk on the beach at night in Cancun?
Walking on the beach at night in Cancun is generally considered safe. However, you should always exercise caution, ask the staff at your hotel for the latest updates on safety in the area, and use your common sense.
Best Museums in Cancun: Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several great museums in Cancun! Which one caught your interest?
Will you explore the world of vintage cars and Mexican rally racing? Will you peruse oddities at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not?
Will you don a snorkel mask and float above 500 underwater sculptures adorned with coral? Will you walk the streets of Cancún learning about its culture through street art?
Or will you taste your way through various tequilas at the Tequila Sensory Museum?
No matter what you choose, I hope this list of Cancún museums makes your visit extra special!
