The Templo Mayor (Spanish: Main Temple) was the main temple of the Mexica people in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City. Its architectural style belongs to the late Postclassic period of Mesoamerica. The temple was called the Huēyi Teōcalli [we:ˈi teoːˈkali] in the Nahuatl language. It was dedicated simultaneously to Huitzilopochtli, god of war, and Tlaloc, god of rain and agriculture, each of which had a shrine at the top of the pyramid with separate staircases. The spire in the center of the adjacent image was devoted to Quetzalcoatl in his form as the wind god, Ehecatl. The Great Temple devoted to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, measuring approximately 100 by 80 m (328 by 262 ft) at its base, dominated the Sacred Precinct. Construction of the first temple began sometime after 1325, and it was rebuilt six times. The temple was destroyed by the Spanish in 1521 to make way for the new Mexico City cathedral.
The Zócalo, or main plaza of Mexico City today, was developed to the southwest of this archeological site, which is located in the block between Seminario and Justo Sierra streets. The site is part of the Historic Center of Mexico City, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. It received 801,942 visitors in 2017.
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Neman Syed | Feb 18, 2018
So much history, so much to learn. It's like a tiny slice of the anthropology museum (which I can't recommend enough). Go early. The Sunday midday crowds really make it hard to appreciate what you're looking at, when fully half the people are taking selfies instead of looking at what's right in front of them. 4 stars only because most of the interpretation plaques are in Spanish only. I fully understand how this complaint makes me sound, but know your audience. English is an international language, and you're only charging the foreigners admission. (If my friend hadn't asked me a question right in front of the gatekeeper, I would have gotten in for free.) So please make it possible for us to understand what we're looking at - and paying for. (Most of the outdoor plaques are Spanish & English. Almost everything inside is Spanish only.) Also? Security is a joke. Two different guards looked in the main part of my bag. They made me throw away my water, but didn't look at the rest of my bag, even though the metal detector was going off. (It was going off for everybody.) What's the point?
Amy Tsao | Jan 21, 2018
This UNESCO World Heritage site is top class. Very well done both on the exterior excavation site and museum. Clear signage throughout, with the exception of the temporary exhibits. The museum design is also very clear in progression, which helps learning the history of Tenochtitlan.
Sampoorna Biswas | Dec 27, 2017
Amazing museum consisting of the excavated ruins of the city centre of the Aztec city Tenochtitlan. What I especially enjoyed about this is that there is a gallery of photos from the actual archaeological work, which gives you a glimpse of how the site must have looked like during the excavation process, as well as the hard work that goes into excavations and analysis. Loved the photos, but I wish the descriptions were also in English (I docked a star for that).
Jonathan A | Feb 11, 2018
This is a must stop when you are in Mexico City, whether you are a tourist or a local resident, in this site you will know the history of the ancient Aztecs. It has a new lobby where they exhibit a "tree of life". It is definitely a museum that is well preserved and constantly investing in the new findings that help to understand more this impressive culture.
Laura Chestnut | Jan 2, 2018
Excellent, and quite large modern feeling museum that includes the exterior archaeology site and an unexpectedly extensive museum. You should leave at least a couple hours for the site. There were not any specific children's sections but it was laid out well, and visually interesting enough I think kids would find it accessible. One of my favorites in CDMX
Ann Moses | Mar 20, 2018
Amazing site. Explanations are clear and interesting but in Spanish only throughout the exterior exhibits. Some dual language in the entrance museum. Interesting exhibit on the Mixteca going on now... I don't know if it's always there or a changing exhibit. Do not bring food, water or gum with you.. you will be asked to throw it away.
Renee Corbett | Mar 15, 2018
This museum is very nice! Everything is explained in Spanish and English. The outdoor section showing the various sections of temple ruins were well labeled. The interior museum has 8 rooms, each with a different theme. I found the first four rooms to be the most interesting. I loved the interior design of the museum too.
Prajwal G.V | Apr 9, 2018
A historical site which was razed to build new cathedrals in place. Entrance fee is 70 pesos. Worth the visit. The ruins are well preserved and the museum provides further insight of the culture and life of the past. This attraction is one of the must visit in Centro Historico in CDMX.
Steven Glass | Mar 11, 2018
Very interesting. One improvement would be if they rewrote the English site descriptions. The language was too flowery and didn't just clearly explain the subject matter.
Thayne Tuason | May 21, 2018
Excellent museum that has interpretive signs both in Spanish and English (for the most part) and covers much of what the actual archaeologists found including plants and animals. Typically plants don't get much attention in museums or even by archaeologists, so I was impressed. I was also very impressed by the Mexican citizens visiting who seemed far more interested and attentive than any Americans I have ever seen in US museums. Has a check in for extra baggage and things like skateboards.
Jorge Garcia R. | May 31, 2018
I loved the exhibition of The Templo Mayor because it is exposed to the outside and you can really see detailed architecture, there are also descriptions in both Spanish and English. Really enjoyed it and I recommend it to everyone. You should go on Sundays because it's free access.
Sara Marquez | May 16, 2018
Wonderful museum! Be prepared to be in the sun and finish any drinks you have with you before you enter because they are not allowed. Don't miss the interior portion of the museum which covers artifacts from Teotihuacan and surrounding areas. It also gives an overview of Pre-Hispanic life and culture, the Spanish destruction, and the discovery of expanse of the Sacred Precinct during the modernization of the colonial city.
Jesús Wong | May 25, 2018
A must visit spot in the city. The main temple of the Aztecs, this is what the Spanish conquerors didn't destroy, and what remains is amazing. Impressive sculptures some size, very realistic and very good museography.
Baron Migs | Jul 5, 2018
Breath taking ruins placed right next to the cathedral built from its stolen stones. A moving walk through history. Attached to a wonderful museum dedicated to the Aztec civilization. Not only will you see an amazing site, but you will probably also learn some thing. Try to swing by on a Sunday when all museums in Mexico City are free. Well worth it
Alan Elfrink | Jul 14, 2018
I visited this museum about 10 years ago and it has improved SO much! The display areas have been updated and include English descriptions. They also have a massive new piece discovered just a few years ago. It's displayed nicely and is quite impressive! You must go visit!
Alma M. Rinasz | Jul 9, 2018
This is THE museum to visit in Mexico City. You will learn how Mexico City began and how the Spanish imposed their culture on the Aztecs to create what we experience today as modern day Mexicans. It is my personal favorite museum because of the proximity of the archeological findings and ongoing research. Do not miss the museum when visiting Mexico City.
Jina Kim | Jul 11, 2018
You can catch a glimpse from the outside of the majestic stone ruins from a past city. They offer English description panels as well and is worth a look to see the intricate details of the building designs.
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