TolucaSights

Sights in Toluca

  1. Museo de Arte Moderno

    The Museo de Arte Moderno is the least exciting of the three museums. It traces the development of Mexican art from the late-19th-century Academia de San Carlos to the Nueva Plástica and includes paintings by Tamayo, Orozco and many others, but frankly there's little to be excited about beyond the impressive spherical mural of people fighting against slavery, which makes up part of the building itself.

    reviewed

  2. Museo de Antropología e História

    The Museo de Antropología e História is the stand-out museum, and presents exhibits on the state's history from prehistoric times to the 20th century, with a good collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts. It also traces pre-Hispanic cultural influences to the modern day in tools, clothing, textiles and religion. Sadly, nearly all the labels are only in Spanish.

    reviewed

  3. Cosmovitral Jardín Botánico

    Just northeast of Plaza de los Mártires is Plaza Garibay. At the east end of Plaza Garibay stands the unique Cosmovitral Jardín Botánico. Built in 1909 as a market, the building now houses 3500 sq meters of lovely gardens, lit through 48 stained-glass panels by the Tolucan artist Leopoldo Flores.

    reviewed

  4. Museo de Culturas Populares

    The Museo de Culturas Populares has a wonderfully varied collection of México's traditional arts and crafts, with some astounding 'trees of life' from Metepec, whimsical Day of the Dead figures and a fine display of charro gear. There are also mosaics, traditional rugs, a loft and a gift shop.

    reviewed

  5. A

    Museo Modelo de Ciencias e Industria

    The new Museo Modelo de Ciencias e Industria is one of the odder museums you’re likely to encounter in Mexico. Devoted to the corporate history of the Modelo beer company, the museum feels like an edifice for propaganda; it is, however, good for a laugh.

    reviewed

  6. Plaza de los Mártires

    A block north of the Portal Madero, the large, open expanse of Plaza de los Mártires is surrounded by fine old government buildings; the 19th-century cathedral and the 18th-century Templo de la Santa Veracruz are on its south side.

    reviewed

  7. Centro Cultural Mexiquense

    This large cultural center, 4.5km west of the city center, houses three good museums (which all keep the same hours). It’s a worthwhile diversion for visitors interested in local arts and crafts, local archaeology and modern art.

    reviewed

  8. B

    Museo de Bellas Artes

    The ex-convent buildings adjacent to the Templo del Carmen, on the north side of Plaza Garibay, house Toluca’s Museo de Bellas Artes, which exhibits paintings from the colonial period to the early 20th century.

    reviewed

  9. C

    Portal Madero

    The 19th-century Portal Madero, running 250m along Av Hidalgo, is lively, as is the commercial arcade along the pedestrian street to the east, which attracts mariachis after 21:00.

    reviewed

  10. José María Velasco

    On Bravo, opposite the Palacio de Gobierno, is a museum dedicated to landscape painter José María Velasco.

    reviewed

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  12. Luis Nishizawa

    This musuem exhibits the work of multifaceted Mexican-Japanese artist Luis Nishizawa.

    reviewed

  13. Felipe Santiago Gutiérrez

    This is a museum, on Bravo, dedicated to painter Felipe Santiago Gutiérrez.

    reviewed

  14. D

    Templo del Carmen

    On Plaza Garibay's north side is the 18th-century Templo del Carmen.

    reviewed

  15. Plaza Garibay

    Just northeast of Plaza de los Mártires is Plaza Garibay.

    reviewed