Casa de los Montejo
1 / 10

Casa de los Montejo

4.6
·3k reviews·Mérida, Mexico

A 16th-century mansion turned museum, showcasing colonial history, art, and stunning Plateresque architecture in Merida.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Casa de los Montejo

Casa de los Montejo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century mansion turned museum, showcasing colonial history, art, and stunning Plateresque architecture in Merida.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A beautifully preserved slice of colonial history nestled in the heart of Merida."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. :moneywithwings:

🚶‍♀️ Take Your Time

Savor the details of the architecture and exhibits. No need to rush! :stopwatch:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Plateresque Facade

Plateresque Facade

Ornately carved 16th-century facade, a stunning example of Spanish colonial artistry.

Historical Rooms

Historical Rooms

Step back in time with period furnishings recreating colonial family life.

Art Exhibitions

Art Exhibitions

Discover rotating displays of contemporary art in elegant gallery spaces.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Rich History

Casa de los Montejo offers free admission, making it an accessible dive into Merida's colonial past. Plan for a leisurely visit to appreciate the architecture and exhibits.

Colonial Charm & Art

This 16th-century mansion showcases Spanish colonial architecture and art. Explore historical rooms and contemporary exhibitions for a layered cultural experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Air-conditioned rooms offer respite
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tour de Museo en Mérida. 📍Museo de Historia Natural. Ubicado a un costado del zoológico centenario. 📍Museo la casa de los Montejo. Ubicado enfrente de la plaza grande de Mérida. 📍Museo palacio de la Musica. Calle 58 entre 59 y 57 centro de Mérida. 📍La casa del Pinar. Ubicado sobre la calle 60 enfrente del hotel Hyatt. 📍Museo de la ciudad. Calle 56 entre 65a y 65 centro de Merida. 📍Museo de la gast...
@soyelpeninsulero
28.4K likes • 241.3K views

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. :moneywithwings: Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Take Your Time

Savor the details of the architecture and exhibits. No need to rush! :stopwatch: Reddit

Museos gratuitos en 📍Mérida, Yucatán: Museo Casa Montejo Dirección: C. 63 506, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc. Horarios: de martes a domingo. #yucatan #museos #meridayucatan #arte #recomendaciones #museostiktok
@_tefyperez
9.2K likes • 77K views
La Casa de los Montejo: 😉 El Tesoro del Renacimiento en Mérida, Yucatán
raliobla
4 likes • 259 views

❄️ Beat the Heat

The interior rooms are air-conditioned, perfect for a cool escape. :snowflake: Reddit

🖼️ Local Art Focus

Appreciate local artwork and temporary exhibitions. :frame_photo: Reddit

¿Sabías que La Casa de los Montejo es una de las construcciones más antiguas y bonitas de Mérida? Este lugar tiene mucha historia y un estilo colonial que te deja fascinada con su visita. . . . . #Mérida #LaCasaDeLosMontejo #Yucatán #TurismoMéxico #historia #cool #turismo #historia #colonial #centrodemerida #cultura #mexico #reelvideo #montejo #instagram #viajaconmigo #acompañame
tannvalen
48 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. :moneywithwings: Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Take Your Time

Savor the details of the architecture and exhibits. No need to rush! :stopwatch: Reddit

❄️ Beat the Heat

The interior rooms are air-conditioned, perfect for a cool escape. :snowflake: Reddit

🖼️ Local Art Focus

Appreciate local artwork and temporary exhibitions. :frame_photo: Reddit

🎬 Short Film Available

Learn about Merida's history with a short film, often with English subtitles. :movie_camera: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Casa de los Montejo for its beautiful restoration and elegant display of colonial history and Spanish-style architecture. Many appreciate the free admission and the opportunity to step back in time. Some note the rotating art exhibits as a nice addition to the historical experience.

"Beautiful restored building. Elegantly displays the historical nature of the Spanish style. Take your time and enjoy! Be sure to see the evening light show (once a week)."

Sherry Walters

"Museo Casa Montejo is a beautifully preserved slice of colonial history nestled in the heart of Mérida, Yucatán. Built in the 16th century by Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, this mansion-turned-museum offers a rare glimpse into the opulence and architecture of the colonial era.

The façade alone is worth the visit—ornately carved in the Plateresque style, it’s a stunning example of Spanish colonial artistry. Inside, the museum is divided into historical and cultural exhibits. The historical rooms are furnished with period pieces that recreate the lifestyle of wealthy colonial families, while the gallery spaces often feature rotating exhibitions of contemporary art."

vello pop

"The museum is located in the city center of Merida and we can visit for free. It is a great place to spend the time to know about the history of the city."

Rita

What People Like

Beautifully restored building
Free admission
Colonial history and architecture

What People Dislike

Can be a short visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Casa de los Montejo is centrally located in the heart of Merida's historic center, right on the Plaza Grande. You can easily walk there from many downtown hotels or take a taxi/Uber. It's also a common stop on city tours. TikTok+1

While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the entrance, Merida's downtown area is well-served by local buses. Many routes converge near the Plaza Grande, making it accessible via public transport with a short walk. TikTok

The best way is on foot! Casa de los Montejo is surrounded by other key Merida attractions like the Cathedral and the Government Palace. Exploring on foot allows you to soak in the colonial atmosphere. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Casa de los Montejo is completely free! This makes it a fantastic and budget-friendly cultural experience in Merida. Reddit+1

The museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday. It's always a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary. TikTok

No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can usually just walk in during opening hours. Reddit

While not always explicitly advertised, some visitors mention guided tours being available, especially for specific architectural details or historical context. It's worth inquiring upon arrival. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved historical rooms furnished with period pieces, showcasing colonial life. There are also galleries featuring contemporary art exhibitions and sometimes a short film about Merida's history. Reddit+1

Absolutely! It's one of the oldest buildings in Merida, offering a direct glimpse into the lives of the Spanish conquistadors and the colonial era. InstagramReddit+1

The mansion features a stunning Plateresque facade, a style characterized by intricate, silver-like ornamentation. The interior also reflects colonial Spanish architecture. Instagram+2

Some local legends suggest the house has a paranormal presence, with stories of unexplained footsteps heard at night. TikTok

A visit can be as short as 30 minutes to an hour if you're just quickly viewing the main areas, or longer if you wish to thoroughly explore the exhibits and appreciate the architecture. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or in certain exhibition areas. Instagram

The ornate Plateresque facade is a must-photograph. Inside, the courtyards and historically furnished rooms offer great opportunities for capturing the colonial ambiance. Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically restricted in historic city centers and around major landmarks to preserve heritage and for safety. It's advisable to avoid flying drones in this area. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Casa de los Montejo is a great, free option for families visiting Merida. The historical rooms, with their period furniture, can spark children's imaginations about how people lived long ago. Reddit The visual appeal of the architecture, especially the detailed facade, can also be engaging. Consider looking for any temporary exhibits that might be more interactive or visually stimulating for younger visitors. The air-conditioned interiors offer a welcome break from the Yucatecan heat, making it a comfortable outing. Reddit

While the historical context might be more appreciated by older children or teens, the free admission makes it an easy addition to any family itinerary without adding to the budget. It's a good opportunity to introduce kids to Mexican history and art in a beautiful setting. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Casa de los Montejo is a must-visit. Admission is completely free, offering a rich cultural experience without any cost. Reddit+1 This allows you to immerse yourself in Merida's history and admire colonial architecture without spending a peso. It's an excellent way to experience a significant historical site and art museum while keeping your expenses low. Reddit

Pairing your visit with other free attractions in the Plaza Grande, like the Merida Cathedral and the Government Palace, makes for a fantastic day of exploration that costs nothing. TikTok The museum's central location also means you can easily walk there, saving on transportation costs. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Colonial Merida

Casa de los Montejo stands as a testament to Merida's rich colonial past. Built between 1542 and 1549 by the Montejo family, the conquistadors who founded the city, it served as their family residence. Instagram+1 This makes it one of the oldest and most significant buildings in the historic center. The architecture itself tells a story, with its impressive Plateresque facade featuring intricate carvings that reflect the wealth and status of its original inhabitants. Instagram+1

Inside, the museum offers a curated experience of colonial life. Visitors can explore rooms furnished with period pieces, providing a vivid impression of how wealthy families lived during that era. Reddit Beyond the historical rooms, Casa de los Montejo also serves as a cultural hub, regularly hosting temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Instagram This blend of historical preservation and modern artistic expression makes it a dynamic destination.

Many visitors highlight the free admission as a major draw, allowing everyone to experience this piece of history. Reddit+1 The well-maintained interiors, including air-conditioned rooms, ensure a comfortable visit, even on hot Merida days. Reddit It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the history and art of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Architectural Marvels and Legends

The facade of Casa de los Montejo is a standout feature, renowned for its Plateresque style. This intricate ornamentation, resembling silversmith work, is a hallmark of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Instagram+1 Look closely at the details; you'll find carved coats of arms and decorative elements that speak to the grandeur of the era. While the main structure dates back to the 16th century, some elements, like certain windows, were added in later restorations, showcasing the building's evolution over centuries. Instagram+1

Beyond its architectural beauty, Casa de los Montejo is also steeped in local lore. One intriguing aspect mentioned by visitors is the paranormal reputation of the house. Stories circulate about unexplained sounds, such as footsteps, being heard when no one is present, adding a layer of mystery to the visit. TikTok This blend of historical significance, architectural splendor, and local legends makes exploring Casa de los Montejo a captivating experience for many.

You may also like

1 of 2