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Photo: Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The original collection of this modern art museum was donated by the late Oaxacan-Zapoteca artist Rufino Tamayo and his wife, and includes works by Picasso, Rothko, and Miró, Georgia O'Keefe and many others. The collection also includes works from pre-Hispanic civilizations and works by Tamayo himself. Tamayo was heavily influenced by pre-Hispanic cultures, as were other modern artists in Mexico during the 20th century. The museum is handicap accessible with elevators, ramps, and loaner wheelchairs available. An upscale on-site restaurant includes an outdoor garden dining area. An on-site museum store has a good variety of books, prints, and contemporary art objects.
Museo Rufino Tamayo is a public contemporary art museum located in Mexico City's Chapultepec Park, that produces contemporary art exhibitions, using its collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as artworks from the collection of its founder, the artist Rufino Tamayo.
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Botanical Garden
5.3 hectare garden showcasing more than 300 species of native Mexican plant life.
Museum of Modern Art
It showcases temporary exhibitions of Mexican and international art, and has a permanent collection of work by artists including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, José Orozco, and Leonora Carrington, among others.
National Anthropological Museum
One of the top anthropology museums in the world. This enormous complex highlights the development and cultures of Mexico's many indigenous peoples from thousands of years ago to today, and is full to the brim with ancient artifacts and artwork. Also, the museum itself is famous for its architecture. It is possible to spend days here to see everything – allocate two hours at the very least, prioritize your specific interests, and be sure not to miss the Aztec sun stone in the big room at the end of the plaza. Interpretive signage is underwhelming and mostly in Spanish - you'll enjoy the museum more if you go just to enjoy the ancient artwork rather than to get a history lesson. Bags must be checked; personal photography is permitted (no flash or tripods). If possible it is best to avoid visiting on Sundays, when it is usually mobbed. There is a restaurant on-site.
Chapultepec Lake
There are actually two lakes that are connected, a bridge spanning them at mid-point. Lounge around the shore, or rent a canoe or paddleboat to explore.
Monument to the Heroic Cadets
This impressive white marble monument stands at the entrance to Chapultepec Park in front of the Castillo. It honors six youths who gave their lives defending the stronghold from US troops in 1847. In the most dramatic telling of the legend, a cadet jumped to his death wrapped in the Mexican flag rather than surrendering to the American troops.
Chapultepec Castle
The imposing castle on top of the hill calls to visitors. Over its history, it has been the home of the Spanish Viceroys, a military college, a scene of historic battle during the Mexican-American War, the palace of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlotta, the national observatory, and the presidential palace. It is now a museum. You can walk about 1 km up the winding hill road, or take the tram that departs every twenty minutes for M$13. There are two parts to the museum: the Alcazar (with the exhibits on the life of its former residents – the emperor and the presidents), and the Castillo (now the Museum of National History). Both are decorated with remarkable murals depicting the nation's and the site's history. Don't miss the Roman-style gardens and observatory on the roof of the Alcazar. The castle also boasts a fine view of Mexico City and its surroundings. While visiting the site, you can leave your bag in the locker room for a fee near the entry to the site (at the bottom of the hill). Storing your bag is mandatory if it contains any food, and you will need to empty your water bottle at the top.