Palacio Cantón (Regional Museum of Anthropology)
Palacio Cantón – Museo Regional de Antropología
The most elaborate French-style palace on Paseo de Montejo, now home to an anthropology museum with Maya artifacts and temporary exhibitions.
Palacio Cantón was built between 1904 and 1911 as a mansion for General Francisco Cantón. It is designed in the French academic style, with a marble staircase and refined decoration. It is one of the most magnificent buildings on Paseo de Montejo and once served as the governor's residence. It is now managed by the National Institute of Anthropology and History as the Regional Museum of Anthropology of Yucatán. The museum displays Maya pottery, jade, and the practice of intentional cranial deformation, and it often holds temporary exhibitions. Admission is low, and the museum is closed on Mondays (check locally). It can be combined with a stroll along Paseo de Montejo.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun about 8:00 am–5:00 pm (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Paseo de Montejo
- Parque de Santa Lucía
- José Peón Contreras Theatre
- Government Palace of Yucatán
- Mérida Cathedral (San Ildefonso)
- Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia)
- Monumento a la Patria
- MACAY Contemporary Art Museum