Museo de Cera Guanajuato
Explore Guanajuato's chilling past with over 100 naturally mummified bodies and intriguing wax figures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Museo de Cera Guanajuato
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Guanajuato's chilling past with over 100 naturally mummified bodies and intriguing wax figures.
"Interesting but brief; Spanish tours enhance the experience, but non-speakers may find it less valuable."
Spanish Tours Recommended
Tours are primarily in Spanish. If you don't speak it, the experience might feel rushed. :microphone:
Intense Exhibits
The mummy exhibits can be intense for some. Be prepared for graphic displays. :skull:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mummies of Guanajuato
Various exhibition rooms
Discover over 100 naturally mummified bodies, each with a unique story and cause of death.
Dona Chonita
Mummy exhibition
Learn the poignant story of Dona Chonita, a mother buried with her son after a C-section.
The Drowned Man
Mummy exhibition
See the striking posture of a man who tragically drowned in a local dam.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Language & Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Spanish Tours Recommended
Tours are primarily in Spanish. If you don't speak it, the experience might feel rushed. :microphone:
Intense Exhibits
The mummy exhibits can be intense for some. Be prepared for graphic displays. :skull:
Quick Visit
Most visitors find the museum can be explored in under an hour. :stopwatch:
Photography Caution
Check for any photography restrictions before snapping pictures. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Spanish Tours Recommended
Tours are primarily in Spanish. If you don't speak it, the experience might feel rushed. :microphone:
Intense Exhibits
The mummy exhibits can be intense for some. Be prepared for graphic displays. :skull:
Quick Visit
Most visitors find the museum can be explored in under an hour. :stopwatch:
Photography Caution
Check for any photography restrictions before snapping pictures. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museo de Cera Guanajuato to be an interesting, though brief, experience, particularly for its unique mummy collection. While the wax figures offer some amusement, the lack of English tours can detract from the overall value for non-Spanish speakers, leading some to feel it's not worth the admission price compared to other local museums.
"If you speak Spanish, they give you a little tour of the place. But if you only speak English, which was the case with us, then it’s a waste of time for 30 pesos. You look at 5 rooms in under 5 minutes. Comparing it to the Diego Rivera museum which was only 25 pesos and worth the money. Go to the museum across the road instead."
Shaun Sum
"Nice but not worth the money"
Tania Vivanco
"Padre"
Joaquin Dominguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museo de Cera Guanajuato is located in the heart of Guanajuato city, easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the historic center. Many visitors arrive via taxi or local bus services that frequent the downtown area. If driving, be aware that parking can be challenging in the narrow streets of Guanajuato.
Yes, the museum is centrally located and well-known. Look for signs directing you to the 'Museo de Cera' or 'Momias de Guanajuato' as it's often associated with the mummy exhibits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but historically it has been around 30 pesos. It's always a good idea to check their official website or inquire locally for the most current pricing.
While specific combo tickets might not always be advertised, it's worth asking at the ticket counter if any package deals are available, especially if you plan to visit other nearby attractions like the Diego Rivera House Museum.
Opening hours can change seasonally. Typically, the museum is open daily, but it's best to confirm the exact hours before your visit, especially on holidays.
Online ticket purchasing options may be limited. Many visitors purchase tickets directly at the museum's entrance.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum is most famous for its extensive collection of naturally mummified bodies, showcasing over 100 individuals. It also features wax figures of historical and cultural personalities. +1
Most visitors find that a visit to the Museo de Cera Guanajuato can be completed in under an hour, with some spending as little as 5 minutes if they don't engage with the Spanish tours.
The mummy exhibits can be intense and graphic for some visitors due to their natural preservation and the stories behind them. Viewer discretion is advised. +1
Yes, guided tours are offered, but they are primarily conducted in Spanish. If you don't speak Spanish, you might miss out on detailed explanations.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for any signage or ask staff about restrictions before taking pictures, especially of the mummy exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a restaurant. However, being located in the city center, you'll find numerous dining options, from street food to sit-down restaurants, just a short walk away.
You can find a wide variety of traditional Mexican cuisine, including local Guanajuato specialties, tacos, enchiladas, and more, in the surrounding streets and plazas.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography rules can be strict, the wax figures themselves offer unique photo ops. The mummy exhibits, if permitted, can also provide striking, albeit somber, photographic subjects.
The wax figures of famous personalities and historical scenes are generally good for photos. The mummy exhibits are visually impactful but may have restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the wax figures might be more engaging for younger visitors, the museum's primary draw is its historical and macabre content. If your children are interested in history or have a strong stomach for the unusual, it could be a memorable visit. Consider focusing on the wax figures and the less graphic aspects of the mummy stories.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, be mindful of the value proposition. If you don't speak Spanish and miss out on the guided tours, some visitors feel the experience is too brief to justify the cost, even if it's low. It might be best to combine this visit with other low-cost activities in Guanajuato to maximize your budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Macabre Allure: Guanajuato's Mummies
Many of these mummies were exhumed due to a historical burial tax. If families couldn't pay the annual fee to keep their loved ones buried, the bodies would be removed and stored. This practice, while grim, led to the discovery of these well-preserved individuals and the eventual establishment of the museum. Stories like that of Dona Chonita, a mother buried after a C-section, add a layer of human tragedy to the exhibits.
Visitors often describe the mummy exhibits as intense and thought-provoking. While some find them fascinating, others may find them disturbing. The museum aims to educate visitors about the history of Guanajuato and the unique circumstances that led to the preservation of these bodies.
Navigating the Museum: Tips from Visitors
If you're traveling solo or as a couple, and Spanish isn't your strong suit, consider focusing on the visual aspects of the wax figures and the mummy exhibits. Some TikTok creators have shared humorous takes on the wax figures, highlighting their sometimes uncanny resemblances or lack thereof.
For those who do understand Spanish, the tours provide deeper context and historical anecdotes, making the visit more engaging. The museum is relatively small, and most people can get through it in under an hour. It's often recommended to pair it with other attractions in Guanajuato to make a fuller day of exploration.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit