Museums to enjoy from home!
Due to the terrible pandemic we are experiencing, many museums have had to temporarily close their doors to avoid crowds and the spread of the COVID-19. But thanks to the internet we can explore them from the comfort of our home while all of us stay in, doing our part to stop massive infections.
That is why in Pedacito de Corazón we got down to the task of exploring the best museums in Mexico City (one of the cities with the most museums in the world!) so that we could recommend the best virtual tours, are you ready?
FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM
Without a doubt one of the mandatory places to visit in Mexico City. La Casa Azul (The Blue House), located in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city, was the home of our beloved Frida Kahlo, here she was born, lived and died. On the tour of the house-museum you can go room by room and explore Frida's (typically Mexican) kitchen, dining room and bedrooms and along the way find her personal effects and important paintings by the artist such as "Viva la Vida" or "Frida y la Cesárea." You can also visit the garden, full of volcanic stones (reminiscent of the Aztec ruins).
By the way, Frida painted many of her masterpieces without stepping on the street and finding herself in an adverse situation... inspiring! Don't you think? We are sure that after completed the virtual tour you will understand Frida's aesthetic universe much better.
Click here to start the tour.
NATIONAL ART´S MUSEUM (MUSEO NACIONAL DE ARTE)
This museum is located in the Historic Center of Mexico City and its collection gathers works by Mexican artists that go from the middle of the 16th century to the first half of the 20th century, it is an essential visit to discover the paintings and sculptures made during the Spanish viceroyalty until modern times. We recommend that you check out the works of Gerardo Murillo Dr. Atl, Rufino Tamayo, José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros.
But if the works of art are not your thing, you can visit the building that houses the museum, it is an exceptional architectural work. Through the virtual tour you can walk through the beautifully decorated halls, hallways and patios (don't miss the magnificent staircase as soon as you enter the museum).
Click here to start the tour.
MUSEUM OF THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS (MUSEO DEL PALACIO DE BELLAS ARTES)
The Palacio de Bellas Artes was inaugurated in 1934 and is the main theater and center for the expression of fine arts in Mexico. The building (which itself is worth a visit) was declared an artistic monument by UNESCO and it is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the National Theater Company, the National Opera Company and the National Dance Company, but it also houses its own museum dedicated to Mexican muralists.
To start the tour, follow this link, download a free app, search for "Palacio de Bellas Artes" and begin.The virtual tour is very well done, as they explain one by one the magnificent murals (17) painted by Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera, Siqueiros, Orozco, Tamayo... The murals are permanently displayed on the walls that decorate the palace and capture the history and traditions of Mexico.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY (MUSEO NACIONAL DE ANTROPOLOGÍA E HISTORIA)
We could not leave out of the list, this spectacular museum that houses an impressive cultural heritage, it is here where you can see the most important archaeological pieces of pre-Hispanic culture.
The museum is huge, that is why we recommend that you see at least these 3 basic pieces:
- The "Piedra del Sol" (badly known as the Aztec Calendar). This 24-ton monolith shows us the most important aspects of how the Nahuatl culture view the world.
- The Pakal Mask. A Mayan funeral piece made of jade and shells.
- Moctezuma's Crest. The one in the museum is the exact replica of the original that is in Vienna, but it is worth contemplating this piece made with more than 400 quetzal feathers.
The easiest way to make the visit is through Google (already inside, don't miss the museum´s architecture).
Remember, staying home doesn't mean being idle and losing access to culture, on the contrary, it is time to cultivate, learn new things and dream that tomorrow you can visit the museums in person!