Discover 25 Awesome Museums in Puebla, Mexico

Puebla is known for having some of the best food in Mexico. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also known for its many Baroque churches and beautiful colonial architecture.

But what some people may not know, is that Puebla is home to over two dozen museums, most of which are located in the heart of its Historic Center. This was surprising for me to learn considering that downtown Puebla isn’t that big!

Every building in the Historic Center of Puebla is gorgeous so many tourists walk by these buildings without realizing there’s a museum inside. I made that mistake on our very first trip so I made sure to visit every museum I could find to compile this list of the best museums in Puebla.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, there’s an exhibit in this beautiful city that’s sure to interest you.

THE BEST MUSEUMS IN PUEBLA, MEXICO

Be sure to check out the details under each listing for information on museum opening hours and admission prices. I also indicate if the museum has explanations in English and offer my opinion on whether or not it’s worth visiting.

Most of these museums are located in downtown Puebla but there are a few on the outskirts of the city. You can refer to the map at the bottom of this article for their exact locations.

25. Museo Interactivo de la Batalla del 5 de Mayo

Museo Interactivo de la Batalla del 5 de Mayo (Interactive Museum of the Battle of May 5) is a tiny museum with digital exhibits on the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Unfortunately, most of the exhibits are in Spanish so it’s hard to appreciate for non-Spanish speaking tourists.

The museum is one of several located in the Zona Histórica de los Fuertes. Although admission is free, I recommend making a stop here only if you can understand Spanish. You can literally zip through the entire museum in about five minutes.

Museo Interactivo de la Batalla del 5 de Mayo

Address: Av. Ejercito, Del Oriente S/N, Moctezuma, 72260 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: FREE
English: Not much
Worth it: Only if you can understand Spanish

24. Casa del Dean

Casa del Dean is a small museum located about a block away from the zocalo (main square). It consists of just two rooms with all their walls covered in floor-to-ceiling frescoes. There are no artifacts or furniture to see here, just the two rooms with murals.

Although there isn’t much to see at this museum, the frescoes are quite beautiful. They have handouts in English explaining the meaning behind the paintings.

Apparently, Casa del Dean is the oldest house in Puebla. It was built by the Dean of the Cathedral – Don Tomas de la Plaza – in 1580.

Casa del Dean is located directly across the street from El Mural de los Poblanos, one of the best restaurants in Puebla.

As beautiful as the frescoes are, there isn’t much to see at Casa del Dean so I find its MXN 65 admission fee to be a little steep. Sundays are free for locals and residents of Mexico so I suggest only going then if you’re interested.

PRO TIP: On a Sunday, be sure to indicate that you’re from Mexico in the registration book (just jot down any Mexican city) so you can get in for free. If they ask for proof, then just leave. The price of admission isn’t worth it in my opinion.

Casa del Dean

Address: C. 16 de Septiembre 505, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-5PM, Tue-Sat (closed Sun-Mon)
Admission: MXN 65 (FREE on Sundays for locals and residents)
English: English handouts available
Worth it: Only if you can get in for free

23. Museo de la Talavera

This isn’t a true museum but more like the showroom of Casa de Talavera Celia, one of just nine certified producers of authentic Talavera in Puebla. It features many interesting pieces of Talavera pottery, the likes of which you won’t find at the many souvenir shops in downtown Puebla.

If you have a keen interest in Talavera pottery and want to purchase higher-quality certified pieces, then you may want to visit Casa de Talavera Celia.

Many of the pieces on display at Museo de la Talavera are quite beautiful. I didn’t see any price tags so I don’t know if they’re for sale. But they definitely do sell pieces on the first floor.

I don’t know the details but Casa de Talavera Celia does offer guided tours. You can contact them directly to make arrangements.

Museo de la Talavera is located in a residential neighborhood near the Zona Histórica de los Fuertes. Unless you have a particular interest in Talavera pottery, then I suggest making the trek here only if you’re visiting the other museums in the area. Admission is free.

Museo de la Talavera

Address: C. Fresno 97 A, Arboledas de Guadalupe, 72260 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 9AM-5PM, Mon-Fri / 9AM-3PM, Sat (closed Sundays)
Admission: FREE
English: No
Worth it: Only if you visit the Zona Histórica de los Fuertes

22. Museo Fuerte de Guadalupe

Museo Fuerte de Guadalupe is one of two fort museums you can visit at the Zona Histórica de los Fuertes. It’s set in a former church that was converted into a fort for military purposes in the early 19th century. Guadalupe Fort was instrumental in the Battle of Puebla on 5 May 1862.

There are a few artifacts and paintings you can look at inside the museum. Unfortunately, none of the explanations are in English so it’s hard to appreciate for non-Spanish speaking tourists.

One of the more interesting exhibits at the museum is this large outdoor diorama featuring a scene from the famous Battle of Puebla.

For me, the most interesting thing about this museum is the building itself. It’s set on top of Acueyametepec hill which offers some of the best views of downtown Puebla. You’ll see what I mean in the next picture.

I’m not sure if paying MXN 65 for the museum exhibits is worth it but this view definitely is.

Museo Fuerte de Guadalupe

Address: Unidad Cívica 5 de Mayo, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 9AM-5:30PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 65
English: No
Worth it: No

21. Museo Fuerte de Loreto

Museo Fuerte de Loreto is the other fort museum at the Zona Histórica de los Fuertes. Like Fort Guadalupe, it’s a former church that was converted into a fort and served a crucial role in the Battle of Puebla.

Unlike Museo Fuerte de Guadalupe, some of the explanations at this museum are in English. There’s also a bit more to see here. However, it doesn’t offer the spectacular views of the Guadalupe museum.

The price of admission at Museo Fuerte de Loreto is the same as Guadalupe – MXN 65. I suggest going only if you have a keen interest in the Battle of Puebla.

Museo Fuerte de Loreto

Address: s/n De los, Calz. de los Fuertes, Residencial las Fuentes, 72270 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 9AM-4:30PM, Tue-Sat (closed Sun-Mon)
Admission: MXN 65
English: Some
Worth it: No

20. Museo Jose Luis Bello y Gonzalez

Museo Jose Luis Bello y Gonzalez is an interesting house museum in the heart of downtown Puebla. It features one of the largest private collections of American, European, and Asian art pieces in Puebla, some of which are almost 2,000 years old.

Unfortunately, they don’t allow photography inside the museum and you aren’t allowed to explore on your own. Groups of guests are taken through the museum on a guided tour in Spanish. As far as I know, they don’t offer tours in English.

Even if you don’t understand Spanish, it’s still a fascinating museum to visit.

Museo Jose Luis Bello y Gonzalez

Address: Av 3 Pte 302, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-4PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: FREE
English: No
Worth it: Yes

19. Museo Taller Erasto Cortes (MUTEC)

Museo Taller Erasto Cortes is one of the four leading printmaking museums in Mexico. It’s named after Puebla-born Erasto Cortes Juarez – one of Mexico’s foremost engravers – and features the work of several prominent artists in the field.

MUTEC’s permanent collection features the work of leading Mexican printmakers but they do have a few rooms with temporary exhibits as well.

On my visit, the main exhibit was this interesting feature on tarot cards.

If you have an interest in printmaking, then you should definitely visit Museo Taller Erasto Cortes. Admission is normally MXN 42 but it’s free to visit on Sundays.

Museo Taller Erasto Cortes (MUTEC)

Address: Av 7 Ote 4, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Sundays)
English: No
Worth it: Depends on the exhibit

18. Museo San Pedro de Arte

Museo San Pedro de Arte features one of the more interesting exhibit spaces in the Historic Center. It’s set in a beautiful 16th-century building that once housed the Royal Hospital of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

The museum hosts a motley mix of exhibits featuring the work of local artists, religious art, dioramas, and viceregal art. Based on what I’ve read, it hosts concerts by the State Symphony Orchestra as well.

When you walk into the building, you’ll see this large courtyard with what appears to be some sort of installation piece. Or it could just be a device that funnels the rain away.

Museo San Pedro de Arte is home to a diverse collection of art. Some rooms have religious oil paintings while other rooms feature modern art.

For me, the most interesting part of the museum was the apothecary with these mini-dioramas featuring scenes from the building’s days as a hospital. Most of the exhibits have English explanations so it’s easy to appreciate them.

In my opinion, the building housing Museo San Pedro de Arte is even more interesting than the exhibits themselves.

According to the description by the entrance, the building once contained a graveyard. It was used as a parking area for trams and a stable before housing a wrestling arena and basketball courts. After that, it was used as office space for the Archivo General del Estado (State General Archive) before being converted into the museum that it is today.

But as diverse as its collection is, there isn’t as much to see at this museum so I think it’s best to visit on a Sunday when it’s free.

Museo San Pedro de Arte

Address: Calle 4 Nte 203, Centro histórico de Puebla, 75029 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Sundays)
English: Yes
Worth it: Only on Sundays

17. Museo Urbano Interactivo (MUI)

MUI is an interactive museum that showcases the work of students from the Puebla campus of the Tecnológico de Monterrey University. Located in an 18th-century building in the heart of downtown Puebla, it features temporary exhibits focused on science, technology, art, design, and architecture.

On my visit, the focus of the exhibition was on climate change.

On the second floor of the museum was this large exhibition room with a projection screen and bean bags. It looked to be showing a 3D simulation of the effects of climate change.

The whole exhibition looked interesting but unfortunately, it was almost entirely in Spanish so it was hard to appreciate for non-Spanish speaking tourists.

From the outside, you’d never guess what type of museum this was. I couldn’t fully appreciate the exhibit at MUI but admission is free so I suggest checking it out. It’s located just a block away from the zocalo.

Museo Urbano Interactivo (MUI)

Address: Calle 4 Nte 5, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sun / 10AM-3:30PM, Mon
Admission: FREE
English: No
Worth it: Only because it’s free

16. Museo de Arte Religioso Ex Convento Santa Monica

If you like religious art, then Museo de Arte Religioso Ex Convento Santa Monica is the place to visit in Puebla. As its mouthful of a name suggests, it’s located in the former convent of Santa Monica and houses one of the largest and most important collections of religious art in Mexico.

Inside the museum are over 3,500 pieces of sacred art produced between the 16th and 19th centuries. Many of the oil paintings are quite large and in excellent condition.

The paintings were interesting but what I found even more fascinating were the exhibits showcasing what daily life was like for the nuns at the convent.

Another interesting thing about this convent is that it’s said to be the place where chiles en nogada was invented. A Mexican national dish and signature dish of Puebla, it’s believed to have been created by the nuns of Santa Monica in honor of Agustin de Iturbide’s return to Puebla after signing the Declaration of Independence of Mexico. Very cool!

Inside the building is this central courtyard with lots of trees. After going through all the exhibits, it’s great to just sit on a bench on the second floor and take in the atmosphere of the convent. It feels quite peaceful here.

Museo de Arte Religioso Ex Convento Santa Monica is located in the northern part of the Historic Center, about a 15-minute walk from the zocalo. Admission is MXN 65 with no free days but I think it’s definitely worth it.

Museo de Arte Religioso Ex Convento Santa Monica

Address: Av 18 Pte 103, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-5PM, Tue-Sat (closed Sun-Mon)
Admission: MXN 65
English: No
Worth it: Yes, especially if you like religious art

15. Museo del Automovil de Puebla MAP

Did you know that Puebla is home to the largest Volkswagen factory outside of Germany? If you’re a fan of the VW Beetle, then you definitely need to visit this museum.

Located about a 20-minute Uber ride north of downtown Puebla, Museo del Automovil de Puebla MAP traces the history of Volkswagen production in Mexico. It’s a modern two-story building that showcases the cars, engines, and parts produced at the Puebla VW plant.

It was interesting to learn that the Puebla VW plant is the largest automobile production facility in Mexico. From 1997 to 2019, it manufactured VW Beetles exclusively though it’s now switched to the production of Jetta, Taos, and Tiguan Long Version models.

I don’t know how often they change the exhibits but at the time of my visit, they were showcasing Beetles produced in different years.

Museo del Automovil de Puebla MAP is nice but it’s a little too far from downtown Puebla to merit its own trip. I suggest going only if you’ll be making a stop at the nearby Museo Casa del Titere (#3) as well.

Museo del Automovil de Puebla MAP

Address: Ex Fábrica La Constancia Mexicana, acceso por Blvd. Esteban de Antuñano #33, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Sundays)
English: No
Worth it: Only if you’re also going to Museo Casa del Titere (#3)

14. Pasaje Historico 5 de Mayo (Puebla Tunnels)

These underground tunnels are a unique attraction in Puebla. They were discovered fairly recently and are estimated to be up to 500 years old.

Pasaje Historico 5 de Mayo consists of two tunnels with a total distance of around 477 meters (1,565 ft). No one really knows what the tunnels were built for though there’s reason to believe that they may have been used against the French army in the Battle of Puebla.

The tunnels connect to Loreto and Guadalupe Forts and are tall enough to easily fit a man riding on horseback.

When the tunnel was rediscovered in 2015, various objects were found buried in the mud like guns, bullets, kitchen accessories, and toys. Many of those items are on display in glass cases inside the tunnel.

The entry point to the first section of the tunnels can be found about 20-25 mins north of the zocalo, along Blvd Heroes del 5 de Mayo. The first section ends in colorful Barrio de Xanenetla before continuing and ending near Lago la Concordia (Concordia Lake).

It shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes to walk through the tunnels.

Puebla Tunnels

Address: Lago de la Concordia, Barrio de Xanenetla, 72290 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-4PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 28
English: No
Worth it: Yes

RELATED ARTICLE: Discover 20 Awesome Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico

13. Museo de la Evolucion

If you’re visiting Puebla with kids, then this is one of the best museums you can take them to. Museo de la Evolucion is a natural history museum located at the Zona Histórica de los Fuertes. It’s a large museum featuring mounted animals, fossils, rocks, and minerals dating back to four billion years.

Unfortunately, there are no English descriptions at this museum but that probably won’t matter as much to kids. There’s plenty to look at and enjoy at this museum.

Museo de la Evolucion is one of many interesting museums you can visit at the Zona Histórica de los Fuertes. If you’re staying long enough, then you could spend the entire afternoon here.

Museo de la Evolucion

Address: Calz. Ejército de Ote. s/n Zona de los Fuertes, Av Ocote, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Sundays)
English: No
Worth it: Yes, if you’re traveling with kids

12. Museo del Ejercito y Fuerza Aerea Mexicanos

Museo del Ejercito y Fuerza Aerea Mexicanos is one of the best free museums in Puebla. As you can probably guess from its name, it’s a museum dedicated to the Mexican Army and Air Force.

This two-story museum has multiple rooms with exhibits recounting significant moments in Mexico’s military history. You’ll find lots of guns, ammunition, uniforms, and battle reenactments here.

Unlike many of the museums on this list that are free only on Sundays, Museo del Ejercito y Fuerza Aerea Mexicanos is free everyday. It’s located by Paseo Bravo park, about a 15-20 minute walk west of the zocalo.

Museo del Ejercito y Fuerza Aerea Mexicanos

Address: Av. de la Reforma 1305, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: FREE
English: No
Worth it: Yes

11. Automobile Museum Puebla

If you like cars, then you need to go to the Automobile Museum. Not to be confused with Museo del Automovil de Puebla MAP (#15), it’s a vintage car museum and mirador (viewpoint) located in downtown Puebla.

Unlike the previous automobile museum that showcases only VW cars, this museum features cars of all makes and models. You’ll find classic cars made by Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, MG, the Cooper Car Company, and many more. There’s even a Ford Model T and a replica of the DeLorean from the Back to the Future movies.

From the looks of it, this appears to be the private collection of some very rich car collector. Admission to the car museum is MXN 70 but you need to pay an extra MXN 100 if you want to take pictures.

One of the most interesting cars at the museum is this Popemobile. According to the description, it was used by Pope John Paul II in 1978 and is the world’s first-ever Popemobile.

The Automobile Museum is easy to spot. Just look up and search for this building, the tallest in downtown Puebla. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk south of the zocalo.

Admission to the car museum is MXN 70, but if you pay MXN 80, it’ll include admission to the top floor of the building and its mirador. Like Acueyametepec hill, this mirador offers some of the best views of downtown Puebla so I highly recommend paying the extra MXN 10.

Automobile Museum Puebla

Address: Calle 3 Sur 1501, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, daily
Admission: MXN 70 (museum), MXN 80 (museum and mirador)
English: No
Worth it: Yes

10. Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos

Fans of trains will definitely want to visit Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos. Located on the former site of a 19th-century railroad station, it’s one of the biggest and most important railway museums in Mexico.

Puebla was once a major rail hub and this museum is home to a number of diesel, electric, and steam locomotives.

You’ll find passenger and freight cars here as well. You can’t enter all of them but there are a few like this one that you can walk through.

Can any train enthusiasts identify what time of engine this is?

If you’re traveling with kids, then Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos is another fun museum to visit in Puebla. It’s located about a 20-minute walk west of the zocalo.

Museo Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos

Address: Calle 11 Nte. 1005, San Miguelito, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 9AM-5PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 18 (FREE on Sundays)
English: No
Worth it: Yes

9. Museo de Arte Popular Ex Convento de Santa Rosa

Museo de Arte Popular Ex Convento de Santa Rosa is another mouthful of a museum located in a former convent.

The Santa Rosa Convent was built in 1739. It was converted into a psychiatric hospital in 1869 before being transformed into a cultural center in 1973.

These pictures don’t do this museum justice. They only allow you to take pictures on the first floor, which is unfortunate because there’s a lot more to see on the second floor of the building.

This museum is one of the most interesting cultural museums in Puebla. It features a vast collection of artifacts, Talavera pottery, costumes, religious objects, murals, and more. You aren’t allowed to explore the second floor on your own but a guide will walk you through its many exhibits.

When I was there in the morning, they were conducting tours only in Spanish but a security guard told me they do have English-speaking guides in the afternoons. If that’s true, then it’s definitely worth waiting till the afternoon because there are a lot of interesting things to see here.

Google Maps will lead you to this entrance. This is the entrance to the museum’s parking lot. When facing the building, make a left and you’ll find the walk-in entrance around the corner.

This is the proper walk-in entrance to the museum.

Museo de Arte Popular Ex Convento de Santa Rosa

Address: Calle 3 Nte Street no. 1210, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-5PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Sundays)
English: No, but possible English-speaking guides in the afternoon
Worth it: Yes

8. Museo Regional Casa de Alfeñique

Museo Regional Casa de Alfeñique is one of the best museums in Puebla. It’s home to a large collection of artifacts, paintings, furniture, and clothing related to the history of Puebla.

If you want to know what life in Puebla was like during the colonial period, then you need to visit this museum.

A display featuring the china poblana, the traditional women’s dress of Puebla.

I was curious why the traditional dress of Puebla was referred to as “china” poblana so I did some research. Apparently, it may have been inspired by a poblana woman who was born in Asia. You can click on the link to learn more about the history of the china poblana.

Beautiful examples of Talavera pottery. Talavera refers to a Mexican and Spanish pottery-making tradition that originated in Talavera de la Reina in Spain.

Unfortunately, there are no English descriptions at Museo Regional Casa de Alfeñique but it almost doesn’t matter. The exhibits are still interesting even without them.

Museo Regional Casa de Alefñique is housed in one of the most eye-catching buildings in Puebla. Built in the 18th century, it’s said to be the perfect example of Puebla architecture from that period.

According to the story, a young man from Puebla asked his girlfriend to marry him. She agreed on the condition that he build her a house made of candy as proof of his love. He obliged and built her this house whose exterior is decorated to look like the traditional candy known as alfeñique, hence the building’s name.

Museo Regional Casa de Alfeñique

Address: Av. 4 Ote. 416, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-5PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Sundays)
English: No
Worth it: Yes

7. Museo Universitario Casa de los Muñecos

Like Museo de Arte Popular Ex Convento de Santa Rosa, Museo Universitario Casa de los Muñecos is one of the most interesting museums in Puebla that unfortunately doesn’t allow you to take pictures. You’re only permitted to take pictures in these first two rooms on the first floor.

Though the religious paintings are beautiful, they’re the least interesting part of this multi-level museum that houses a large collection of scientific machines, mounted animals, printing presses, and more.

There are no English descriptions which is unfortunate because it would be cool to understand what those many machines were used for.

Like Museo Regional Casa de Alfeñique, Museo Universitario Casa de los Muñecos is housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in Puebla. It’s just off the zocalo and well-worth a visit, especially on Wednesdays when it’s free.

Museo Universitario Casa de los Muñecos

Address: Calle 2 Nte 2, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, daily
Admission: MXN 30 (FREE on Wednesdays)
English: No
Worth it: Yes

6. Museo Casa del Mendrugo

Museo Casa del Mendrugo is a fascinating museum located on the second floor of the Casa del Mendrugo restaurant. It features beautiful examples of Talavera pottery and many of these intricately carved human skulls, bones, and seashells.

La Casa del Mendrugo is in an historical building that once functioned as an educational institution and Federal Treasury building. Rescued from total abandonment in 2010, a number of important archaeological artifacts were uncovered during its restoration, including a grave with human remains dating back 3,500 years.

You can see these human remains along with many other interesting artifacts at the museum. All the exhibits have well-written English descriptions so it’s easy to follow along for non-Spanish speaking tourists.

Entrance to the museum is usually MXN 40 but La Casa del Mendrugo diners can enter for free. In my opinion, La Casa del Mendrugo is home to some of the best mole, pipian, and chalupas in Puebla so it’s definitely worth enjoying a meal there.

Museo Casa del Mendrugo

Address: C. 4 Sur 304 – C, Centro, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 9AM-9PM, Mon-Sat / 9AM-6PM, Sun
Admission: MXN 40 (FREE for diners)
English: Yes
Worth it: Yes

5. Biblioteca Palafoxiana

We’ve been to a few noteworthy libraries and bookshops on our trips – like Livraria Lello in Porto – and Bibliotexa Palafoxiana ranks up there with the best of them. It isn’t the biggest library but it’s one of the oldest and most beautiful. You can certainly feel the history in this room.

Established in 1646, Biblioteca Palafoxiana is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest public library in the Americas. It started off with a donation of 5,000 books from Juan de Palafox y Mendoza – the Bishop of Puebla from 1639 to 1646 – and grew over the centuries to a collection of over 45,000 books and manuscripts.

The library consists of three levels but guests can only access the first.

Biblioteca Palafoxiana is located on the second floor of Casa de la Cultura (Cultural Center), this beautiful building with the brick facade located on one side of Catedral de Puebla. Admission is MXN 42 but you can get in for free on Tuesdays and Sundays.

Click on the link for more pictures and information about Biblioteca Palafoxiana.

Biblioteca Palafoxiana

Address: Av 5 Ote 5, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-5PM, Tue-Thurs / 10AM-6PM, Fri-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Tue and Sun)
English: No
Worth it: Yes

4. Museo Regional de la Revolucion Mexicana

Museo Regional de la Revolucion Mexicana is one of the most interesting and important museums in Puebla. The events that took place in this house on November 18, 1920 is said to be the catalyst that sparked the Mexican Revolution.

The house belonged to Aquiles Serdan, a Mexican politician who actively supported the rebellion against the Diaz government. When the government got wind of his revolutionary activities, they sent the police to his house to arrest him. A gunfight ensued which led to the death of Serdan.

Today, Aquiles Serdan is recognized as the first martyr of the Mexican Revolution.

Museo Regional de la Revolucion is a house museum that retells the story of the Mexican Revolution. It also recounts the day-to-day lives of the Serdan family. As is often the case, the kitchen is one of the most visually striking rooms in the house.

In some rooms of the house, you can see the bullet holes from the 3-hour gunfight of November 18, 1920. Hanging in this room is the actual mirror damaged from the spray of bullets.

Even from the outside, you can still evidence of the events that transpired on that day. The curators of the museum have kept the bullet holes on the facade of the building intact.

If you have an interest in the Mexican Revolution and in Mexican history in general, then you need to visit Museo Regional de la Revolucion Mexicana. It’s a well-curated museum with English explanations for all the exhibits so it’s easy to follow along.

Museo Regional de la Revolucion Mexicana

Address: Av 6 Ote 206, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-5PM, Tue-Thurs / 10AM-6PM, Fri-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Sundays)
English: Yes
Worth it: Yes

3. Museo Casa del Titere

When I read that Museo Casa del Titere was a puppet museum, I didn’t expect to like it. I was wrong. It turned out to be one of my favorite museums in Puebla.

Museo Casa del Titere is a well-curated museum tracing the history of puppetry in Mexico. It’s a fun and colorful museum with lots of different styles of puppets on display.

The museum consists of one long corridor with these small rooms that branch off from the main hallway. There are English explanations for everything so it’s easy and fun to go through. If you like, you can go through it with a guide as well.

Museo Casa del Titere is located in this complex about a 20-minute Uber ride from central Puebla. The complex contains several other museums but unfortunately, only Museo Casa del Titere is open at this time. Perhaps the others will reopen after the pandemic.

Museo Casa del Titere

Address: Av, Cto. Obreros Independientes Sur n, Luz Obrera, 72110 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-5PM, Tue-Thurs / 10AM-6PM, Fri-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 42 (FREE on Sundays)
English: Yes
Worth it: Yes

2. Museo Internacional del Barroco

From the outside, Museo Internacional del Barroco (International Museum of Baroque Art) is the most visually striking museum in Puebla. It opened in 2016 and was designed by renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito. It was nice to find that the exhibits inside the museum are every bit as spectacular as the building itself.

Needless to say, if you’re a fan of the Baroque style, then you need to visit this museum. I’m not a fan of Baroque art but I was blown away by this place.

The International Museum of Baroque Art features exhibits that showcase different facets of the Baroque style, from architecture to music to painting and sculpture. It’s a visual playground that will keep you entertained for several hours.

In one of the first rooms, you’ll find this huge scale model of the Historic Center of Puebla. This alone was impressive and sets the tone for the rest of your visit.

I wrote an article on the churches in Puebla and this model was invaluable to me.

Museo Internacional del Barroco can be reached via a 20-minute Uber ride from the Historic Center of Puebla. It’s located in Reserva Territorial Atlixcáyotl, a lovely green space with a small artificial lake and plenty of walking trails.

There were lots of locals here with their dogs. It’s a nice place to just relax and enjoy the afternoon after a visit to the museum.

Museo Internacional del Barroco

Address: Atlixcáyotl 2501, Reserva Territorial Atlixcáyotl, 72830 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-7PM, Tue-Sat / 10AM-5PM, Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: MXN 85 (FREE on Sundays)
English: Yes
Worth it: Yes

1. Museo Amparo (Amparo Museum)

In my opinion, Amparo Museum is easily the best museum in Puebla. Located inside two colonial-era buildings in the Historic Center, it’s a large modern art museum that showcases a large and diverse collection of contemporary art, religious paintings, installation pieces, and pre-Hispanic art.

Entrance to Amparo Museum used to free but they now charge MXN 85 for admission. However, you can still get in for free on Sundays.

I’ll be writing a separate article on Amparo Museum so I won’t include too many pictures here. But if you visit Puebla – no matter how long your stay – then you absolutely need to make time for this museum.

On the rooftop of Amparo Museum is a lovely cafe offering some of the best views of downtown Puebla. From here, you can see many of the city’s most beautiful churches like Catedral de Puebla.

As described, Amparo Museum occupies a large space inside two colonial-era buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s a spectacular museum that can easily take up three or four hours of your time.

Museo Amparo (Amparo Museum)

Address: Av 2 Sur 708, Centro histórico de Puebla, 72000 Puebla, Puebla
Operating Hours: 10AM-6PM, Wed-Mon (closed Tuesdays)
Admission: MXN 85 (FREE on Sundays)
English: English digital audio guide
Worth it: Yes

RELATED ARTICLE: Discover Cantona Ruins, the Most Well-Preserved Archaeological Site in Mexico

PUEBLA MUSEUMS LOCATION MAP

To help you navigate to these museums in Puebla, I’ve pinned them all on this map. Click on the link for a live version of the map.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE MUSEUMS IN PUEBLA

Being just two hours away by bus from Mexico City, many tourists visit Puebla on a day trip. In my opinion, it’s worth much more than that. These 25 museums alone show you just how much there is to see and do in Puebla.

Puebla is one of the most historic sites in Mexico. Its Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to beautiful architecture and many magnificent churches.

Puebla’s regional cuisine is one of the most delicious in Mexico, and as this article has just shown you, it’s home to plenty of interesting museums for you to visit.

We hope you visit many of them on your next trip to Puebla.

Disclosure

Some of the links in this article on the museums in Puebla are affiliate links. What that means is that we’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Authenticity is important to us so we only recommend products and services that we use ourselves. We really appreciate your support as it helps us keep this free Puebla travel website going. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing!