Although Cancun may be better known for its party scene and family-friendly activities, there are many cultural activities in the area worth experiencing, too. Situated at the Cancun Center, the Maya Museum provides an excellent chance for visitors to familiarize themselves with the rich cultural history of the region, spanning from ancient times to modern day. The museum, which focuses on the Mayan culture, contains one of Mexico’s most impressive artifact collections, most of which were uncovered in the encompassing Yucatan region.
See why a visit to the Maya Museum during your next trip to Cancun is an excellent idea:
The Space
The concept for the museum’s contemporary design was inspired by the gorgeous natural habitat around the property, and the building highlights breathtaking vistas of the Nichupté Lagoon and the San Miguelito jungle. The indoor and outdoor areas have been created with an eye on nature, and a reflecting pond and thought-provoking sculpture make the spaces incredibly inviting. To extend the dreamlike experience as you wander the museum, the three exhibition areas were built eight meters (about 26 feet) above the ground, as if suspended in the air.
The Collection
There are about 400 artifacts on display throughout the sophisticated museum which have been discovered on the Yucatan peninsula and within the state of Quintana Roo. Some of the collection’s outstanding pieces have been found at historical sites around the region such as Palenque, Comalcalco and Chichén Itzá. One display area is devoted to temporary exhibits that tie into the museum’s Mayan theme. The other two sections house permanent collections of various artifacts including ancient jewelry, sculptures and pottery that captivate visitors as they peruse the displays. Unforgettable items such as the 14,000-year-old skeletal remains found at Tulum and the remains of the revered “Woman of the Palms” will leave you spellbound. Mayan art and architecture are widely celebrated throughout the museum, and sculptures hailing from Chichén Itzá are a sight to behold.
The San Miguelito Archaeological Site
Admission to the museum also includes entrance to the connecting San Miguelito archaeological site, where several authentic structures are available to tour. There are buildings where public functions such as rituals and celebrations took place, with architectural touches like flat roofs and columns that are indicative of structures built between the 13th and 16th centuries in Quintana Roo. See what a family residence made with palm and wood would have been like, and take a closer look at the remnants of an ancient temple. The existing foliage has been incorporated into a design with cultivated plants for delightful outdoor spaces, too.
A trip to the Maya Museum in Cancun will undoubtedly make your next vacation in the area a cultural delight!
