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Mummies of Guanajuato Museum

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Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)

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The Mummies of Guanajuato Museum is one of Mexico's most iconic and unusual destinations, located adjacent to the Santa Paula Cemetery. The collection features over 100 human remains that were exhumed between 1865 and 1958 after a local burial tax was implemented; those whose families could not pay were removed from their crypts. Due to the unique combination of soil minerals and the dry, high-altitude environment, the bodies underwent a natural mummification process without any chemical intervention. Displayed in glass cases, the mummies range from elderly residents to infants, many still wearing the clothes they were buried in. This site provides a stark and compelling look at the 19th-century history of the city and reflects the deep-rooted Mexican cultural relationship with mortality. It stands as a testament to the biological and geological forces that shaped the destiny of Guanajuato's former citizens.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Mummies Museum in Guanajuato is a public museum open to visitors. It displays naturally mummified bodies from the local cemetery.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On holidays the schedule may differ; checking the website is advisable.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the museum, but without flash to protect the sensitive mummies. In certain areas, there may be a general ban on photography.
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Time needed
A visit to the museum typically takes about an hour and a half. The exhibition is fairly compact, but the stories behind the mummies are fascinating.
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Combine with
Combine the museum visit with exploring the city of Guanajuato, especially its underground streets and the Teatro Juárez. The Diego Rivera Museum is also nearby.
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Getting there
The museum is located in the historic center of Guanajuato, near the Jardín Unión. It is easily reachable on foot; parking by car is limited.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. The somewhat macabre exhibition is not for the faint-hearted, but it's very impressive.

Geography

Coordinates
21.02000, -101.26610

Facts

  • The collection includes over 100 mummified bodies.
  • The first mummy, Remigio Leroy, was exhumed in 1865.
  • The mummification is entirely natural, without artificial embalming.
  • The bodies date from between the years 1850 and 1950.
  • The museum was officially established in its current form in 1970.
  • It contains the world's smallest mummy, a fetus.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

GuanajuatoGuanajuato<1 km · NExplore →
IrapuatoIrapuato12 km · SEExplore →
SalamancaSalamanca12 km · NEExplore →
Silao Automotive ClusterSilao Automotive Cluster19 km · SExplore →
Morelia CathedralMorelia Cathedral30 km · EExplore →
Church of Dolores HidalgoChurch of Dolores Hidalgo37 km · NExplore →
San Luis Potosi CathedralSan Luis Potosi Cathedral40 km · NWExplore →
LeónLeón47 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

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Sights in the town Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (9)

Parador Turistico Sangre de Cristo📍 landmark

A tourist attraction in Guanajuato named Sangre de Cristo.

Museo Mina Valenciana 1791🏛 museum

A museum in Guanajuato housed in a historic silver mine from 1791.

Casa Museo Gene Byron🏛 museum

Home and studio of artist Gene Byron with original furnishings and art.

Museum Ex Hacienda San Gabriel de Barrera🏛 museum

Restored 17th-century hacienda with period rooms and gardens.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-18:00

State Auditorium🎭 culture

State auditorium for concerts and events adjacent to the Mummies Museum.

Glorieta Mineros🏺 historical

Traffic circle with a bronze miner sculpture honoring mining heritage.

Diego Rivera🏺 historical

A monument to Diego Rivera in Guanajuato; he was a famous Mexican painter born in Guanajuato.

Old Railroad Station📍 landmark

19th-century historic railway station with original architecture.

Área de Preservación Ecológica Cuenca de la Soledad🌿 nature

A nature reserve in Guanajuato called Cuenca de la Soledad.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are the mummies real?
Yes, they are naturally mummified bodies from a local cemetery.
Is the visit suitable for children?
The topic can be a bit unsettling for younger children; parents should decide accordingly.
How long does a museum visit take?
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes to see the exhibition.
Is photography allowed there?
Photography is allowed, but please be respectful of the deceased.
Where is the museum located?
It is located on the outskirts of Guanajuato, easily accessible by taxi.
Mummies of Guanajuato Museum: where is it located?
Mummies of Guanajuato Museum is located in Mexico.
Mummies of Guanajuato Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parador Turistico Sangre de Cristo, Museo Mina Valenciana 1791, Casa Museo Gene Byron.
Mummies of Guanajuato Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Mummies of Guanajuato Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Mummies of Guanajuato Museum is one of Mexico's most iconic and unusual destinations, located adjacent to the Santa Paula Cemetery.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Guadalajara — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
Guadalajara
Major city in Jalisco
Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone
The prestigious boulevard houses the Mexican Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the country's major banks.

More places

Alhondiga de Granaditas — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
Alhondiga de Granaditas
A former grain storehouse that became the site of the first major battle of the Mexican War of Independence.
Juarez Theater — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
Juarez Theater
One of the most beautiful theaters in Mexico, located in Guanajuato.
El Pipila Monument — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
El Pipila Monument
A monument on a hill overlooking Guanajuato honoring a local hero of independence.
Silao Automotive Cluster — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
Silao Automotive Cluster
A major industrial site in Guanajuato that hosts large plants from General Motors and Volkswagen.
Morelia Cathedral — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
Morelia Cathedral
An impressive Baroque cathedral built from pink stone.
Morelia Aqueduct — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
Morelia Aqueduct
One of the best-preserved structures of its kind in Mexico.
San Luis Potosi Cathedral — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
San Luis Potosi Cathedral
A magnificent building located on the Plaza de Armas.
Guadalupe Sanctuary (San Luis Potosi) — Mummies of Guanajuato Museum (Mexico)
Guadalupe Sanctuary (San Luis Potosi)
A major Baroque church in San Luis Potosi, famous for its detailed facade and the long pilgrim walkway leading to it.