Discover the ancient history and culture of Cancun’s traditional inhabitants at this state-of-the-art museum.
Opened in November 2012, the Maya Cancun Museum offers ancient historical relics and expansive exhibition spaces in a modern environment. The multi-million-dollar project is the culmination of 30 years of collecting, and holds 350 Mayan artifacts. For those interested in learning about the traditional culture of the area, or seeking a rainy-day activity, the Maya Cancun Museum is a fascinating place to spend a few hours. A visit to the museum is highly recommended to those planning a visit to the El Meco or El Rey archaeological sites in the area, as it provides a solid knowledge base for your exploration.
Explore the museum’s three exhibition spaces, which cover a total of 4,400 square feet (409 square metres) and display ancient relics that were found locally. The oldest of these are the artifacts found in the submerged caves of Tulum, the former Mayan port town. Don't miss the exhibit about the 10,000-year-old skeletal remains of La Mujer de las Palmas (The Woman of the Palms), a remarkable discovery.
The museum covers all aspects of Mayan history, and the local area is particularly well documented. While many of the individual pieces are annotated only in Spanish, there is enough English information that foreign visitors do not miss out. The modern museum also features audio and multimedia exhibits.
The Maya Cancun Museum is located in the hotel district of Cancun, and can easily be reached on foot. For those staying outside the central district, the museum is well serviced by bus and taxi, and paid parking is available throughout the hotel district. The museum is conveniently located alongside the ancient ruins of El Rey. The Maya Cancun Museum is closed Mondays, and a small fee applies for admission.
