The Indigenous Peoples Museum

The Indigenous Peoples Museum (Mi Museo Indígena) is run by the Mexican National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI). The institute considers it a gathering place for the sharing of information on the cultural diversity of all the indigenous peoples of Mexico. The museum also supports intercultural dialogue and appreciation for cultures originating within the Mexican territory. Essential to all of the activities carried out within the museum is the presence of indigenous people.

The museum mounts semi-permanent exhibitions and organizes workshops, musical and dance events, food fairs, and related activities. These allow the public to expand their interaction with contemporary indigenous peoples and the cultural heritages of many of them. Among the many objects collected are some dating from 1605 and more down to the present day.

The institute is best known for its documentary work. Thus, the Indigenous Peoples Museum collection consists primarily of photography, video, and audio recordings. Exhibitions normally also include textiles, ceramics, lacquer-ware, fiber arts, toys, miniatures, sculptures, masks, and feather art. Some recent exhibitions have also included cardboard and paper creations, bone and shell objects, graphics and painting, furniture, metals, gemstones & jewelry, leather goods, musical instruments and glass works.

The exhibitions result from the institutes work in the field with communities all across the country.

The Peralvillo Old Customs Building

The building housing the museum is from the late 18th century. Until the early nineteenth century, the building housed a tax office where taxes were paid on pulque, the popular antecedent to tequila and mezcal. Given this history and context, it was declared a national monument in 1931.

The museum is on Paseo de la Reforma Norte, #707, in the Colonia Morelos. The building faces the Nonoalco-Tlatelolco neighborhood. One can arrive via the Tres Culturas and Peralvillo Metrobus stations. On the Metro, the stations Garibaldi or Tlatelolco are about equi-distant from the museum.

Admission to exhibits and all activities are free for all audiences.