Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo on Postcard

"The Museo de las Culturas features 14 rooms that tell the story of Oaxaca's history." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Take a Walk Through Oaxaca's History Housed in the former Dominican convent of Santo Domingo, the museum of Oaxacan cultures offers a glimpse at the state's history from ancient times through the colonial period, and into the modern day. The building was beautifully restored and opened to the public in 1998. You should go in even if just to see the interior of this stunning building, but the exhibits are also excellent. The highlight of this museum is the Treasure of Tomb 7, an offering that was found in a tomb at Monte Alban archaeological site. This is the greatest treasure ever found in Mesoamerica, and contains exquisitely crafted gold jewelry, as well as precious stone, intricately carved bone and more."

Oaxaca's Ancient Civilizations

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@afar

"Take a Walk Through Oaxaca's History Housed in the former Dominican convent of Santo Domingo, the museum of Oaxacan cultures offers a glimpse at the state's history from ancient times through the colonial period, and into the modern day. The building was beautifully restored and opened to the public in 1998. You should go in even if just to see the interior of this stunning building, but the exhibits are also excellent. The highlight of this museum is the Treasure of Tomb 7, an offering that was found in a tomb at Monte Alban archaeological site. This is the greatest treasure ever found in Mesoamerica, and contains exquisitely crafted gold jewelry, as well as precious stone, intricately carved bone and more."

Oaxaca Museums

test

@afar

"Take a Walk Through Oaxaca's History Housed in the former Dominican convent of Santo Domingo, the museum of Oaxacan cultures offers a glimpse at the state's history from ancient times through the colonial period, and into the modern day. The building was beautifully restored and opened to the public in 1998. You should go in even if just to see the interior of this stunning building, but the exhibits are also excellent. The highlight of this museum is the Treasure of Tomb 7, an offering that was found in a tomb at Monte Alban archaeological site. This is the greatest treasure ever found in Mesoamerica, and contains exquisitely crafted gold jewelry, as well as precious stone, intricately carved bone and more."

A Perfect Day in Oaxaca

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Nikki Johnson

Google

We went here after having already gone to Monte Alban. It was fascinating to see all the artifacts that came out of Tomb 7 there. It showed how rich the Zapotec culture was before the Spanish arrived. At 90 pesos entry fee it is very affordable. We thoroughly enjoyed going to the museum and seeing all the exhibits Recommended

Trie Hall

Google

Very beautiful museum with interesting collections. Stunning architecture and views (stopping for a moment to look outside over the ethnobotanical gardens is a great way to get a little breeze on a hot day and enjoy a wonderful sight). When I visited, there was some construction/renovation going on, which meant some areas were closed, but I still very much enjoyed my visit. I found this to be an informative yet engaging museum and highly recommend. They do also have complimentary secure lockers to store your belongings while visiting, which comes in handy if you are enjoying a full day out and have a bag with you.

Jiggity Jeff

Google

Great space to go and escape some of the early afternoon heat! Beautiful building with historic displays featuring art and cultural history of the area. Much of the information is featured in Spanish with English boards along the way. Also beautiful views of the neighbouring botanical gardens. Also featuring books from pre-printing press. A lot of very incredible art and history displayed here.

Luis A Gordillo

Google

I loved it! Beautiful place. If you go to Monte Alban this is a must, as it contains most of the cool pieces found in Monte Alban.

Ben Meecham

Google

Incredible artefacts and extensive collection. The only thing is that though there are some translations, it would be good to have a wider amount of information in English on offer.

Carolina Poblano

Google

Excellent collectionso artifacts, art and books. Truly loved the exhibits and the view were simply breathtaking!

Dale Burks

Google

Exceptional experience. Bring your phone so you can translate with your camera. There is a lot of information in this exhibit so manage your brain muscle with this one. And there are many rooms. Each room tells a story of an era and together they tell the story of Mexico. Each time you exit a room you’re standing in these gorgeous and long corridors giving you time to transition. The chapel was one of the most I’ve seen. Compared to European and other Latin American countries this one is better. So bring your phone to read, walk the corridors, and two hours later step outside into the magical Oaxaca!

DYJ1948

Google

This has to be one of the most amazing museums in the region. We first saw an incredible textile exhibit by Elena Martinez Bolio, a feminist using needlepoint to illustrate life from a woman’s perspective. The rest of the museum began by showcasing the history of Oaxaca from prehistory to the 1800s. As you go throw the exhibits floor by floor, you’ll see the development of Oaxaca’s history. Every floor has unique features but the most amazing is the archeological finds in the 30’s of the treasures of Mount Albon. The interactive nature of this exhibition is terrific. It’ll take a minimum of two to three hours to go through it so bring your walking shoes. It’s a hundred pesos and worth every peso of it!! Not to be missed. Along the way, you can see the botanical gardens from the walkways which is a separate place to visit.

Nikki Johnson

Google

We went here after having already gone to Monte Alban. It was fascinating to see all the artifacts that came out of Tomb 7 there. It showed how rich the Zapotec culture was before the Spanish arrived. At 90 pesos entry fee it is very affordable. We thoroughly enjoyed going to the museum and seeing all the exhibits Recommended

Trie Hall

Google

Very beautiful museum with interesting collections. Stunning architecture and views (stopping for a moment to look outside over the ethnobotanical gardens is a great way to get a little breeze on a hot day and enjoy a wonderful sight). When I visited, there was some construction/renovation going on, which meant some areas were closed, but I still very much enjoyed my visit. I found this to be an informative yet engaging museum and highly recommend. They do also have complimentary secure lockers to store your belongings while visiting, which comes in handy if you are enjoying a full day out and have a bag with you.

Jiggity Jeff

Google

Great space to go and escape some of the early afternoon heat! Beautiful building with historic displays featuring art and cultural history of the area. Much of the information is featured in Spanish with English boards along the way. Also beautiful views of the neighbouring botanical gardens. Also featuring books from pre-printing press. A lot of very incredible art and history displayed here.

Luis A Gordillo

Google

I loved it! Beautiful place. If you go to Monte Alban this is a must, as it contains most of the cool pieces found in Monte Alban.

Ben Meecham

Google

Incredible artefacts and extensive collection. The only thing is that though there are some translations, it would be good to have a wider amount of information in English on offer.

Carolina Poblano

Google

Excellent collectionso artifacts, art and books. Truly loved the exhibits and the view were simply breathtaking!

Dale Burks

Google

Exceptional experience. Bring your phone so you can translate with your camera. There is a lot of information in this exhibit so manage your brain muscle with this one. And there are many rooms. Each room tells a story of an era and together they tell the story of Mexico. Each time you exit a room you’re standing in these gorgeous and long corridors giving you time to transition. The chapel was one of the most I’ve seen. Compared to European and other Latin American countries this one is better. So bring your phone to read, walk the corridors, and two hours later step outside into the magical Oaxaca!

DYJ1948

Google

This has to be one of the most amazing museums in the region. We first saw an incredible textile exhibit by Elena Martinez Bolio, a feminist using needlepoint to illustrate life from a woman’s perspective. The rest of the museum began by showcasing the history of Oaxaca from prehistory to the 1800s. As you go throw the exhibits floor by floor, you’ll see the development of Oaxaca’s history. Every floor has unique features but the most amazing is the archeological finds in the 30’s of the treasures of Mount Albon. The interactive nature of this exhibition is terrific. It’ll take a minimum of two to three hours to go through it so bring your walking shoes. It’s a hundred pesos and worth every peso of it!! Not to be missed. Along the way, you can see the botanical gardens from the walkways which is a separate place to visit.

Julia V.

Yelp

Splendid in every way--a magnificent 16th century Baroque building, extraordinary views of gardens from the windows, breath-taking exhibits, including the permanent exhibit of the precious objects found in Tomb 7 at Monte Alban and a temporary textile exhibit of the work of Elena Martinez Bolio, a Yucatecan embroiderer, painter, weaver, and seamstress. She says her work is an homage to both traditional wisdom and new expressions. You can spend hours in these lovely, cool rooms.

Chris A.

Yelp

If you're looking to learn and see all the beauty that Oaxaca has to offer this place is worth spending time in! I am so sad I didn't have a lot of time due to a dinner reservation but I'd definitely come back. So much rich Oaxacan history and beauty! From the adorning ornamentation used to decorate and the beautiful paintings on the walls, long hallways, modern exhibitions, to the views from each window, the central courtyard, and the adjoining botanical garden (separate entrance). I seriously was awestruck everywhere I looked.

Osula L.

Yelp

Walked here on a Thursday afternoon in early July 2023. There was a line when we got there. Google maps says it closes at 3pm but the staff said it closes at 5pm. The facility was very beautiful. There weren't that many displays but the grounds were nice to walk around in. The gardens around the museum were gorgeous. It was a nice change in pace to the city. Make sure you use the restroom before leaving because if you leave you will not be able to get back into the building without a ticket. There is a paid restroom near the Oxxo across the street diagonally. It costs MX$10 but the machine provides change for bills up to MX$50. They also have free bag storage for all guests. Probably why the line was moving so slow to get into the museum. The museum does not have any kind of cafe or food sold.

Alexis B.

Yelp

If you're visiting the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, don't miss this great museum (housed in the former convent connected to the church). It's beautiful (amazing architecture, great views of the botanic gardens and the mountains surrounding Oaxaca) and houses a great collection of pre-Columban artifacts (many from nearby Monte Alban). There are large signs that provide English translation of all historical plaques in each room, so don't worry if your Spanish isn't great. We spent more time here than I had anticipated, and I wish we'd had more! It's a great museum, don't miss it when you're exploring Oaxaca!

Oren P.

Yelp

The museum is inside a former convent. The entrance is to the left side of what seems like an active church - so don't get confused. No water is allowed inside. Admission is 90 Pesos - except on Sundays for local Mexicans with ID. There are various exhibits on different levels - with tickets scanned to enter the upper one. I actually thought the lower exhibit about dogs was more interesting - but it is only in Spanish. There is some signage in English in the upper exhibits - but not everywhere. The gardens are entered though a separate entrance outside. A gift shop is located near the entrance. There is no charge to use any of the restrooms. There are MANY uniformed police patrolling inside. Taking photographs is discouraged. There are optional paid selfie areas on the second level.

Jamie A.

Yelp

This museum was on the majority of To Do lists for Oaxaca. Culture museums can be hit or miss, but it was sweltering hot out and my husband and I needed a break from walking in the intense sun. We paid the 70 pesos and said "no thank you" to some guides offering their services at the entryway. If you speak/read Spanish you prob won't need a guide as the placards are in Spanish. Some areas such as the well-organized Tomb 7 exhibition have explanations written in both English in Spanish. There were also a few interactive tablets where you can read about items found in the tomb in Spanish and English. I liked the installment at the bottom floor with the jade and explanation of its use in burials. (The famous jade skull is located within the Tomb 7 exhibit). From the minute my husband and I set foot inside, we were both really impressed with the architecture and enjoyed learning about the history of the Oaxacan state. There was information about everything including textiles/clothing, food, art, and religion relating to pre-hispanic and up to modern culture. It was our first time in Oaxaca and everything we learned at the Museo de las Culturas set us up for a strong understanding of what we viewed throughout our trip and at the Monte Alban ruins the next day. Other: - entrance is to the left of the Templo de Santo Domingo - housed in a former Dominican convent - you can easily spend 3 hours in here, wear your walking shoes and if you get lost in the hallways - it is the usual!

Clare H.

Yelp

Interesting museum about some of the culture and history. Zapotec, Mixtec and the spiritual and cultural history dogs have in México. If you're visiting Monte Albán this is a perfect accompaniment as many of the artifacts are from Tomb 7. It ties it all together. There are limited signs with English translations so could be worth having a tour guide with you. You can see the botanical gardens from the windows too.

Rebekah T.

Yelp

Beautifully historic and grand museum in Oaxaca that shares a lot of the cultural history of Oaxaca. The collection of art is vast and you can spend nearly 3-4 hours viewing. We decided to skip the scheduled tour and guide ourselves through this gorgeous structure, which was once the old convent of the Dominican order, next to the church of Santo Domingo. We visited the museum after the tour of Monte Alban, so we were able to see all of the collections of 14th Century items. The exhibit rooms contain displays from the stone era of hunters and gatherers, the first agricultural plants, early ceramics, the great treasure discovered in Tomb 7 of Monte Alban, to the recent renovation of the structure a few years ago. Being a fan of architecture, the historic old building blew me away. All of the details from the hallways, windows, the history and rich culture of Oaxaca. Great place to visit.

Martin R.

Yelp

A must-visit in Oaxaca both for the objects it holds that span the history of the area from early cultures a thousand years BC, through the Spanish colonization. And the grandiose building, a restored convent, is alone worth the visit.

Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo

Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca, Santo Domingo

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