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Museo del Carmen

4.6
·134 reviews·Villa de Leyva, Colombia

Discover the chilling mummies and colonial sacred art of Museo del Carmen, a historic ex-convent in charming San Ángel.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Museo del Carmen - Image 1

Museo del Carmen

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the chilling mummies and colonial sacred art of Museo del Carmen, a historic ex-convent in charming San Ángel.

4.6
(134 reviews)

"A wonderful museum with a very friendly guide. The price is very reasonable."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Admission is very reasonable, with free entry for children under 13, students, teachers, and those with disabilities.

📸 Photo Opportunities

The museum offers great spots for photos, especially of the old town in Villa de Leyva.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mummies of El Carmen

The Mummies of El Carmen

Crypt

Discover naturally mummified friars from the 17th century, a chilling and fascinating glimpse into history.

TikTokInstagram+1
Baroque Sacred Art Collection

Baroque Sacred Art Collection

Museum Galleries

Admire intricate altarpieces, religious sculptures, and paintings from the colonial era.

InstagramReddit
Tranquil Courtyards

Tranquil Courtyards

Central Courtyards

Find a peaceful escape in the serene courtyards, perfect for reflection and a moment of calm.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Uncover the Mummies of San Ángel

Museo del Carmen is famous for its crypt containing naturally mummified friars, a unique draw for those interested in the macabre and historical preservation. Plan your visit to coincide with quieter times to fully appreciate this unusual exhibit. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the Mummies: Art and History

While the mummies are a highlight, Museo del Carmen also boasts a significant collection of sacred art, including baroque altarpieces and religious sculptures. Explore the serene courtyards and learn about the Carmelite order's history. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Free entry for Mexicans
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨Sentires del Museo Del Carmen ✨ Sesiones de canalizacion con seres fallecidos en mi instagram @Ollandemarfil podran encontrar información por DM 😊✨ (hay descuento del 50% todo octubre e inicios de noviembre)✨🌌 Cuenta principal: @Ollan Anahata #espiritualidad #sentires #tercerojo #seresfallecidosqueridos #canalizacionesespirituales #paranormal #cdmx #energia #museodelcarmen
@tay_diazz
52.3K likes • 338.9K views

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Admission is very reasonable, with free entry for children under 13, students, teachers, and those with disabilities. TikTokReddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The museum offers great spots for photos, especially of the old town in Villa de Leyva. TikTokReddit

Conoces las momias del museo del Carmen en CDMX? Sabías que hay momias en Ciudad de México? Así es, no solo en Guanajuato tienen momias! Acompáñame a conocerlas #momias #sanangel #cdmx #cdmxsecreta #descubre
@mijeepesunadragona
44K likes • 415.7K views
¿Todavía no tienes tu #BitacoraDeMuseos de @rascamapas? 📍 Código MAR25 #museoscdmx #museossanangel #quehacersanangel #sanangel #sanangelcdmx #museosanangel #museodelcarmen #exconvento #soymargomez
soymargomez
227 likes • 4.6K views

☕ Coffee Break

Enjoy reasonably good coffee in the peaceful courtyard for a small fee. Reddit

📅 Check Special Exhibits

Look out for seasonal exhibits like Day of the Dead offerings or spiritual channeling sessions. TikTok+1

Descubre el Museo del Carmen, un tesoro cultural fundado en 1938 en los terrenos del antiguo Monasterio y Colegio de El Carmen del siglo XVII. Maravíllate con una de las más finas colecciones de Arte Sacro, incluyendo retablos barrocos, relicarios, esculturas, pinturas, y los misteriosos cuerpos momificados de frailes carmelitas. 🎨 📍 Museo del Carmen, Av. Revolución 4, Col. San Ángel, Alc. Álvaro...
promocioncdmx
1.6K likes • 23.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Admission is very reasonable, with free entry for children under 13, students, teachers, and those with disabilities. TikTokReddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The museum offers great spots for photos, especially of the old town in Villa de Leyva. TikTokReddit

☕ Coffee Break

Enjoy reasonably good coffee in the peaceful courtyard for a small fee. Reddit

📅 Check Special Exhibits

Look out for seasonal exhibits like Day of the Dead offerings or spiritual channeling sessions. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(134 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Museo del Carmen to be a unique and affordable cultural experience, particularly for its famous mummy exhibit and colonial sacred art. While some note a lack of signage and occasional dustiness, the friendly staff and peaceful courtyards are often highlighted as positives. It's a must-visit for those interested in religious history and the macabre. Reddit

"Not a fan about this kind of museum but thanks to Martha Quintana the tour was unforgettable. It’s a great place to visit."

Maylin Elisa Cardenas (amateurdancer)

"A wonderful museum with a very friendly guide. The price is very reasonable. Admittedly, for those not knowledgeable or passionate about Catholic history or its artistic traditions, the museum will be a little poor as there is a lack of signs which educate the visitor. However, for those who do like such things, the place is a must-visit. Some of the artifacts could do with a restoration, but I understand that the museum is doing the best it can. Hopefully one day a conservationist with a passion for preserving Colombian culture will help this museum out."

S Fernandez

"Interesting religious museo with a variety of original artefacts relating to Carmelites, saints relics, statues & paintings. Only 7,000 pesos entry. Helpful receptionist/coffee maker.
A peaceful courtyard & indoor area to rest & enjoy reasonably good coffee of fresh ground beans 4,000 pesos.
A nice place to rest a while."

Trudy Erdmann

What People Like

Unique mummy exhibit
Affordable entry fee
Peaceful courtyards

What People Dislike

Lack of signage
Dusty in areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Museo del Carmen is located in San Ángel. You can take public transport, such as the Metro to Coyoacán or Insurgentes stations, and then a bus or taxi to the museum. Driving is also an option, but parking in San Ángel can be challenging. TikTokInstagram

Yes, it is accessible by public transport. Several bus routes serve the San Ángel area. Consider using ride-sharing apps for convenience if you're unfamiliar with the local bus system. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors enjoy exploring the charming streets of San Ángel, visiting other cultural sites like Museo Casa del Risco, and enjoying the local atmosphere before or after their museum visit. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any last-minute changes. TikTok

Admission is very affordable, often around $80 pesos. Sundays are free for Mexican citizens, and there are also free entry days for children under 13, students, teachers, and individuals with disabilities. TikTokReddit

While online ticketing options may vary, tickets are generally available for purchase at the museum's entrance. Arriving early, especially on free admission days, is recommended. TikTok

Yes, Sundays are free for Mexican nationals. Additionally, children under 13, students, teachers, and people with disabilities often receive free admission. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The most famous attraction is the crypt containing naturally mummified friars from the 17th century. This unique exhibit draws many visitors. TikTokInstagram+1

The museum features a significant collection of colonial sacred art, including baroque altarpieces, religious sculptures, paintings, and relics. InstagramReddit

While the mummies might be intense for very young children, the museum's art collections and courtyards can be appreciated by older children. Free admission for those under 13 makes it accessible. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always best to check for specific restrictions, especially in the crypt or during special exhibitions. TikTokReddit

Originally an ex-convent and college from the 17th century, it preserves a rich history of the Carmelite order and colonial Mexican art. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum has a courtyard cafe that serves coffee and light refreshments. It's a nice spot to rest and enjoy a break. Reddit

San Ángel offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, from traditional Mexican cuisine to international options. Many are located around the main plaza, a short walk from the museum. TikTok

Yes, San Ángel is known for its brunch spots, offering various options from casual to more upscale. Some places even offer special promotions. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The tranquil courtyards, the colonial architecture, and the intricate details of the sacred art collection offer excellent photographic opportunities. The exterior of the old town in Villa de Leyva is also picturesque. TikTokReddit

Photography rules can vary. While some videos show the mummies, it's advisable to confirm at the entrance if photography is permitted in the crypt itself to avoid any issues. TikTokInstagram

It's ideal for architectural photography, religious art, and capturing a sense of historical ambiance. The unique mummy exhibit also makes for striking, albeit somber, imagery. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Museo del Carmen offers a unique educational experience for families, with free admission for children under 13 making it an accessible outing. While the mummies might be a bit intense for very young children, older kids can appreciate the historical context and the art collections. The tranquil courtyards provide a nice space for kids to move around and take a break. TikTok

Consider framing the visit as a historical adventure, focusing on the stories of the friars and the colonial art. The surrounding San Ángel neighborhood also offers a pleasant environment for family walks, with open plazas and interesting architecture to discover. TikTokInstagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Museo del Carmen is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The admission fee is very low, and there are numerous opportunities for free entry, including Sundays for Mexican nationals and always for children, students, teachers, and those with disabilities. TikTokReddit

Combine your visit with exploring the charming San Ángel neighborhood on foot, which is free. You can also find affordable local eateries in the area for a budget-friendly meal. The museum's rich history and unique exhibits offer significant value for the minimal cost. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Museo del Carmen presents a compelling mix of subjects. The colonial architecture, the serene courtyards, and the detailed sacred art offer ample opportunities for capturing atmospheric shots. The unique mummy exhibit, while sensitive, can also yield striking and memorable images. TikTokReddit

Experiment with different lighting conditions, especially during the morning hours when the light is softer. The intricate details of the religious artifacts and the textures of the old stone buildings provide rich visual elements. Remember to check photography policies, particularly for the crypt. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enigmatic Mummies of Museo del Carmen

Museo del Carmen is perhaps most renowned for its crypt, which houses a collection of naturally mummified friars. These individuals, preserved through natural processes within the crypt, offer a unique and somewhat eerie glimpse into the past. The discovery of these mummies has made the museum a point of interest for those fascinated by the unusual and the historical preservation of human remains. TikTokInstagram+1

Visitors often express a mix of awe and curiosity when encountering this exhibit. While some find it a bit unsettling, others are captivated by the scientific and historical implications. The presentation in the crypt aims to educate visitors about the natural mummification process and the lives of the Carmelite friars who once inhabited this ex-convent. TikTok

It's important to approach this exhibit with respect, understanding its historical context. The mummies are a significant part of the museum's heritage and offer a distinct experience that sets Museo del Carmen apart from other cultural institutions in Mexico City. TikTok

A Treasure Trove of Colonial Sacred Art

Beyond its famous mummies, Museo del Carmen is a significant repository of colonial sacred art. The museum's collection includes exquisite baroque altarpieces, intricate religious sculptures, and devotional paintings that reflect the artistic and spiritual fervor of the era. These pieces offer a window into the religious practices and artistic achievements of New Spain. InstagramReddit

The museum's architecture itself, a former Carmelite monastery and college dating back to the 17th century, provides a fitting and atmospheric backdrop for these artworks. The serene courtyards and chapels enhance the contemplative experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and artistry. Instagram

For those with an interest in religious iconography, Catholic history, or colonial art, Museo del Carmen is a must-visit. The detailed craftsmanship and historical significance of these artifacts make them a compelling part of the museum's overall appeal. Reddit

Exploring San Ángel: A Charming Neighborhood

Museo del Carmen is nestled in the heart of San Ángel, a historic and picturesque neighborhood in Mexico City known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Visiting the museum offers a perfect opportunity to explore this charming area. TikTokInstagram

San Ángel is dotted with other cultural attractions, including the Museo Casa del Risco and numerous art galleries. The Plaza de los Arcángeles is a lovely spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The neighborhood also hosts vibrant markets, especially on weekends, offering local crafts and food. Instagram

Many visitors combine their trip to Museo del Carmen with a leisurely stroll through San Ángel, enjoying its unique ambiance, perhaps stopping for a coffee or a meal at one of its many cafes and restaurants. It's an ideal destination for a day trip focused on culture, history, and local charm. TikTok+1

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