There are several museums in Oaxaca, ranging from
displays of treasure to wonderful artwork. They are listed below.
The Museo de Arte Contempraneo de Oaxaca is in the building, Casa de Cortes at Alcala 202.
There are permanent displays of five famous Oaxacan artists. They are Rufino
Tamayo,
Francisco Gutierrez, Rodolfo Morales. They also have contemporary exhibitions and other
cultural events. This museum is open from 10:30am to 8pm Wednesday through Monday. The
entrance fee is by donation.
The Museo Regional de Oaxaca is in a green stone building next to to the Santo Domingo
Church. Unfortunately this museum was under restoration when I visited the area. Normally
it is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 10am until 5pm on Sunday. Entry
is 13 pesos but it is FREE on Sunday. The museum contains excellent Mixtec treasure taken
from Tomb number 7 at Monte Alban. I highly recommend seeing this museum after you have
visited Monte Alban, Mitla, or Yagul instead of before. That way you will have some
appreciation for what the treasure means and where it came from.
The lower floor of the museum contains most of the treasure. This treasure dates from the
14th century when the Mixtec tribe reused a old tomb at Monte Alban. They buried one of
their kings with his sacrificed servants. They also included lots of silver, turquoise,
coral, jade, (real jade not like the fake stuff they currently sell at Monte Alban),
amber, pearls, intricately carved statues, and most impressive, the gold. This large
treasure trove was discovered in 1932. There are other sections of this museum that
discuss and display the history of the Spanish conquest, Oaxaca's Indian peoples, and the
areas archeology.
The Museo Casa de Juarez is located in a home previously inhabited by Benito Juarez. It is
located at 609 Garcia Vigil directly across from the Templo del Carmen Alto. Benito Juarez
was a Zapotec Indian who came to Oaxaca in 1818. This museum shows pictures of Juarez, his
letters, and other items from the 1800's. This building under went restoration several
years ago and is once again open to the public.
The
Museo Rufino Tamayo displays pre Hispanic artifacts and
other artwork. It is located at Morelos 503 and was donated by
Rufino Tamayo. See the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca for
displays of some of his paintings. This museum is open from 10am
until 2pm and again from 4pm to 7pm Monday, and then on
Wednesday to Saturday. They are open from 10am to 3pm on Sunday.
Admission is 10 pesos.
