On a recent trip to Merida, Mexico, we wanted to check out some historical places in town. It seems like museums in the city are often free, and Casa de Montejo was not too far from our Air BnB. This is a former house of the city’s Governor, and is now owned by the Mexican National Bank. This structure is a very unique example of Renaissance civil architecture.
The Museum is easy to find, and is right along Plaza Grande. Casa Montejo is located at Calle 63 x 60 y 62, Plaza Grande.
Entrance is free here, and you can also set up a free guided tour.
The National Bank of Mexico acquired this house in 1981 and restored it for the first time.
The house was later purchased by Banamex, completing a second restoration in 2007-2010. It was then that it was prepared as a museum and cultural center.
We stepped into the lobby area and were directed where to go. Masks (cubrebocas) are required here.
We did not take a tour, but information is displayed in both English and Spanish.
Each room was air conditioned, and there was an employee / usher at each door to open and close it as visitors entered and exited.
Casa de Montejo was built in the mid 1500’s. This mansion was home to the Montejo family for some time, which is how it got its name.
The rooms are beautiful, and are in great shape.
The interior and furniture was fascinating to see, with so many ornate and interesting pieces.
The building has a very lovely courtyard as well, and we took a break when we were done to sit alongside it for a little while.
The view from Casa de Montejo is wonderful. You can see out onto Plaza Grande.
There are also photo exhibits in the building, which I enjoyed.
There is also a gift shop with some nice items.
According to my online search the museum is open:
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm. Sundays 10 am to 2 pm.
Free guided tours for the general public. Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am 1 pm, 5 pm. Sunday at 11 am.
Website for the museum: http://sic.gob.mx/ficha.php?table=museo&table_id=1480
What a beautiful building! I would love to explore this area. The courtyard is pretty.
It looks like a beautiful museum! I love that they are free!
This looks like such an amazing museum. I would love to check this out.
This sounds like a fun adventure I love that they have kept the original look of the house. That is so cool that you even get a chance to take a tour of the house.
Mexico has so much to offer for traveling. I need to get a passport soon so I can travel there.
These buildings, paintings, hangings, and decorations are so beautiful! I’d love to see them in person some day!
It is a beautiful place to visit, there are a lot of fun places to go. I would love to see them in person some day.
What a wonderful place to visit! This could be a really wonderful experience! My kids would really love this!
wow! What a beautiful building. I am glad that it’s open to public and everyone can visit this beauty!
That place is absolutely gorgeous. I love the grandeur of it. It’s like something out of a fairy tale.
This looks so gorgeous! I love reading about it and can’t wait for more!
Museums like this are so neat. I love seeing all of the old architecture and the details in the home. You don’t see that anymore.
I have always loved museums!! This will be added to my bucket list for sure when I get to visit Mexico. I love the architecture and interior design of the place, it is so amazing.
Loving the whole place! Wish we could visit the museum someday 🙂 So many photo opportunities.
These photos are beautiful. We will have to add that to our list.
This is interesting, I would love to go to Mexico soon. There are some places that I want to visit as well there.
This does seem like a really lovely place to go visit whenin Mexico. I love the courtyard it looks so pretty.
Love, Love, Love Merida! This looks so great!
Nnniiiccceeee…I love museums a lot. I know for a fact, that I would love my time here.
I love the dressed up style. Formal furniture has always been my favorite.
I am totally in love with this place after reading your post. Would love to visit it so soo.
Love when we find free museums like the Museo Casa de Montejo. We often debate whether to take a tour or move at our own more leisurely pace. Certainly lots to see. That view from the museum would certainly send me off to explore Plaza Grande.
While I don’t like the idea of colonialism, I do like colonial architecture 😉 I’m not sure if we haven’t visited this mansion. I remember that we saw some beautiful Mexican dancing at night in Merida. And a rather cheesy show, but definitely super-fun. Yes, Merida was a good place to visit from our base in Puerto Morelos.