In 2009, the Culture Secretariat of Mexico City inaugurated the Night of Museums, an initiative that they hoped would attract a new audience and make more people visit the great cultural offerings of Mexico City.
Seventy spaces, including 68 museums, now participate in this initiative. On the last Wednesday of each month, there are different cultural activities offered — from music concerts to guided tours of Mexico City — in different circuits of the city. Some are free and you can visit several in just one night.
In less than one kilometer — ten minutes walking — you can visit some great places in the Historical Center.
The Estanquillo Museum
The Estanquillo Museum was founded in 2006 by Carlos Monsiváis —one of the most important chroniclers of Mexico City— who’s desire was to share his collection with the Mexican people.
Currently, you can visit “The Rituals of Carlos,” an exposition that seeks to show the different personal collections and interests of this Mexican writer, journalist and critic, such as books, prints, antiques, caricatures and photographs.
The exhibition “To Open Up” showcases the ideas that Monsiváis wrote on sexual diversity and prejudice, linked to machismo present in Mexican society.
Tip: The Estanquillo Museum has a beautiful terrace where you can listen to live music and have a great night. Highly Recommended.
Located at Isabel La Católica 26, Centro, it is open from Monday to Saturday from 10-6 p.m. Tuesday the museum is closed.
The Postal Palace
The Postal Palace of Mexico City is a beautiful building which opened in 1907 and was designed by Italian architect Adamo Boari, who also designed the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). This building not only serves as a postal service, but also offers guided tours of the museum where you can view historical samples of the postal service in Mexico. If this is not reason enough to visit, on the last Wednesday of each month they also offered free concerts of varying genres.
The Postal Palace is located at Tacuba 1, Centro, and is open from Monday to Friday from 8-7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10-4 p.m. and Sundays from 10-2 p.m.
Spanish Cultural Center in Mexico (CCEMx)
This cultural space is supported by the Spanish Cooperation Agency for International Development (AECID) to promote Spanish culture and is located just behind the Cathedral.
They have many different activities throughout the year. This year started with an exhibition about the understanding of trans-identities called “You Don’t Ask What You Can Already See,” a famous quote from the Mexican singer Juan Gabriel when he was asked about his sexuality. They also have an exhibition called “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism,” which samples the work of some of the most important contemporary Spanish illustrators.
CCEMx is located at Guatemala 18, Centro, and is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11-9 p.m. Saturdays, 10-9 p.m. and Sundays from 10-4 p.m.
According to local government, last year 99,000 people attended Night of Museums in more than 70 spaces.
Night of Museums is a different way to immerse yourself and experience the cultural offered in Mexico City, while experiencing the city at night. So, if you have not experienced Night of Museums yet, what are you waiting for? I promise you won’t regret it.
You can check out the participating museums and activities at http://data.cultura.cdmx.gob.mx/nochedemuseos/