Attraction Guide: Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca Guide

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca: A Journey Through Time Guide

The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, housed in the former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich history and diverse cultures of Oaxaca. This museum offers a comprehensive overview of the region's pre-Hispanic civilizations, colonial history, and contemporary indigenous cultures. Through its extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and historical documents, the museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of Oaxaca. The monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, was built by the Dominican order between the 16th and 18th centuries. For centuries, it served as a religious and educational center. After the Reform Laws in the 19th century, the monastery was secularized and used for various purposes, including a military barracks. In 1994, after extensive restoration, it was transformed into the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca. The museum's collection includes artifacts from various pre-Hispanic cultures, such as the Zapotec, Mixtec, and others, as well as exhibits on the colonial period and the contemporary indigenous communities of Oaxaca. Visitors to the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca can explore the museum's many exhibits, which cover a wide range of topics, including archaeology, ethnography, and history. Highlights include the famous Treasure of Tomb 7 from Monte Albán, a collection of gold, jade, and other precious objects discovered in a Zapotec tomb. The museum also features exhibits on the traditional arts and crafts of Oaxaca, such as textiles, pottery, and wood carvings. Guided tours are available in English and Spanish, providing valuable insights into the museum's collection and the history of Oaxaca. The museum shop offers a variety of books, crafts, and souvenirs. While the museum itself doesn't have a restaurant, the surrounding area is filled with excellent restaurants serving traditional Oaxacan cuisine.