Museo Soumaya
Mexico City · Mexico · Founded 2011
Quick answer
Museo Soumaya in Mexico City, Mexico — the Museo Soumaya is a private museum founded by billionaire Carlos Slim Helú as a tribute to his late wife, Soumaya Domit. Open daily, 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Admission: free admission. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Museo Soumaya at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free admission |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings at 10:30 AM opening — free admission draws crowds on weekends. |
| Getting there | Metro: Polanco metro or Auditorio — 10-minute walk or short taxi |
| Address | Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11529 Mexico City, Mexico |
| Official website | museosoumaya.org |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Museo Soumaya known for?
The Museo Soumaya is a private museum founded by billionaire Carlos Slim Helú as a tribute to his late wife, Soumaya Domit. The current building — designed by Slim's son-in-law Fernando Romero — opened in 2011 in the Polanco district.
Its curving, hexagonal steel form clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons has become one of the most iconic buildings in Mexico City and one of the defining pieces of contemporary architecture in Latin America.
The collection of more than 66,000 works spans 30 centuries of art, from pre-Columbian artefacts to 20th-century European and Mexican masters. The museum holds the largest private collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside France.
Admission is entirely free — making it one of the most visited museums in Mexico and an essential stop in the Polanco district alongside Chapultepec Park.
Best for: Art Lovers · Architecture Enthusiasts · Budget Travelers
How long do you need at Museo Soumaya?
Allow 1.5–2 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Museo Soumaya without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
The Thinker
📍 Rodin Gallery, upper floor
One of multiple Rodin bronzes in the collection — the largest private Rodin holding outside France, with major casts of The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell.
- 2
The Gates of Hell
📍 Rodin Gallery
Rodin's monumental portal inspired by Dante's Inferno — a centrepiece of the museum's European sculpture collection.
- 3
Virgin of Guadalupe with Four Apparitions
📍 Colonial Art Gallery
An exceptional viceregal painting from the museum's outstanding collection of Mexican colonial art.
- 4
Fernando Romero Building
📍 Exterior and atrium
The torus-shaped building clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons — an architectural landmark visible from across Polanco.
What are the must-see works at Museo Soumaya?
4 highlights that define the collection: The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, Virgin of Guadalupe with Four Apparitions and more.
The Thinker
Auguste Rodin · bronze cast
📍 Rodin Gallery, upper floor
One of multiple Rodin bronzes in the collection — the largest private Rodin holding outside France, with major casts of The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell.
The Gates of Hell
Auguste Rodin · bronze cast
📍 Rodin Gallery
Rodin's monumental portal inspired by Dante's Inferno — a centrepiece of the museum's European sculpture collection.
Virgin of Guadalupe with Four Apparitions
Mexican colonial artist · 18th century
📍 Colonial Art Gallery
An exceptional viceregal painting from the museum's outstanding collection of Mexican colonial art.
Fernando Romero Building
Fernando Romero · 2011
📍 Exterior and atrium
The torus-shaped building clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons — an architectural landmark visible from across Polanco.
Collections and highlights
- • World's largest private Rodin collection
- • Mexican colonial and viceregal painting
- • European Old Masters — El Greco, Rubens, Tintoretto
- • Pre-Columbian artefacts
- • Fernando Romero aluminium-clad building
Tips for visiting Museo Soumaya
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings at 10:30 AM opening — free admission draws crowds on weekends.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Busy on weekends and school holidays; weekday mornings are manageable.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free admission every day — no booking required.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Restaurants throughout Polanco; Plaza Carso mall adjacent to the museum.
- 5.
Accessibility
Fully accessible with elevators throughout the spiral building.
How do you get to Museo Soumaya?
- metro Polanco metro or Auditorio — 10-minute walk or short taxi
- walk 15-minute walk from Museo Nacional de Antropología through Polanco
- bus Multiple routes along Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra in Polanco
Address: Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11529 Mexico City, Mexico
Museo Soumaya: frequently asked questions
Is Museo Soumaya really free?
Yes — admission to Museo Soumaya is entirely free every day of the week. It is one of the most visited museums in Mexico.
What makes the building special?
The building by architect Fernando Romero is clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons and curves dramatically on all sides with no straight walls. It has become one of the defining pieces of contemporary architecture in Latin America.
How does it compare to the Museo Nacional de Antropología?
The two museums are completely different in scope. The Soumaya focuses on European and Mexican colonial art and sculpture; the National Museum of Anthropology covers pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilisations. Both are worth visiting on a trip to Mexico City.
How long should I spend at Museo Soumaya?
Plan 1.5–2 hours for the highlights of Museo Soumaya. Our 4-stop route — The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, Virgin of Guadalupe with Four Apparitions and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Museo Soumaya best known for?
The Museo Soumaya is a private museum founded by billionaire Carlos Slim Helú as a tribute to his late wife, Soumaya Domit. The current building — designed by Slim's son-in-law Fernando Romero — opened in 2011 in the Polanco district. Its curving, hexagonal steel form clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons has become one of the most iconic buildings in Mexico City. Key highlights include World's largest private Rodin collection, Mexican colonial and viceregal painting, European Old Masters — El Greco, Rubens, Tintoretto.
How do I get tickets for Museo Soumaya?
Free admission. You can walk in without a ticket; paid exhibitions are booked separately. Official site: https://www.museosoumaya.org/en/
Is Museo Soumaya open on Mondays?
Yes — Museo Soumaya is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are Museo Soumaya's opening hours?
Museo Soumaya is open daily, 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
