Maya Museum in Cancun: Foreign Tourists Flock to Cultural Exhibits

Cancun's Maya Museum reports that 70% of its visitors are foreign tourists, predominantly from Eastern countries like Korea and Japan. These tourists are particularly captivated by the Maya culture. In contrast, only 30% of the museum's visitors are locals.

Carlos Esperón Vilchis, the director of the museum, noted a decrease in visitors in 2024, with a total of 56,000 compared to 70,000 in 2023. This decline was attributed to a power outage that resulted in the museum's closure for 25 days, preventing the usual influx of foreign tourists.

Vilchis explained, "Most of our visitors are indeed foreigners, and we've recently seen an increase in tourists from countries like Japan and Korea." He anticipates that visitor numbers will rebound to around 70 to 80 thousand in 2025, and plans to continue offering guided tours for students of all ages.

The museum, which showcases archaeological research from the Maya region of Quintana Roo, currently has two permanent exhibition rooms open. It also houses a temporary exhibition featuring three pre-Hispanic pieces from the Conch and Shell collection.

In the near future, the museum will inaugurate a painting exhibition showcasing local talent, curated by saxophonist Alejandro Folgarolas. Additionally, a mid-year exhibition dedicated to Frida Kahlo is being planned in coordination with the City Council of Malaga, Spain.

The museum, open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 AM and 5 PM, charges an entrance fee of 100 pesos. However, Mexican citizens with identification can enter for free on Sundays, and children under 13, teachers, students, and seniors over 60 can visit for free during the week.