The Interactive Museum of Economics, known as MIDE, sits in Mexico City's historic centre on Calle Tacuba. It occupies a former convent and hospital of the Bethlehemites, which Banco de México bought in the 1990s and restored for public use. Games and exhibits explain money, banking, personal finance and sustainable development, with a clear focus on children and teenagers. Guides in each section explain the activities. A visit takes a couple of hours, and the coin and old products collections are worth time too.
From convent and hospital to museum
The museum is housed in the former Old Convent and Hospital of the Bethlehemites on Tacuba Street, in the historic centre of Mexico City.
Banco de México bought the building in the 1990s. It was restored and adapted for use as an interactive museum, and it is now one of the institution's public spaces for learning about money.
What is inside
Interactive exhibits show the flow of money, the value of saving and investing, and how economic systems affect daily life. Simulations based on real-life scenarios let visitors see the results of their decisions.
The museum also covers the history of banks, a banknote factory, and a numismatics area with coins and old products. Permanent exhibits deal with managing money in everyday life, buying and selling, and avoiding debt. Climate change and sustainable growth have a strong place in the displays, and the fourth floor examines consumption.
The museum runs courses and diplomas on economics and finance for those who want more than a visit.
How a visit works
Most of the activities are in-person sessions and games set up in each section. Guides can walk you through them, which matters if your Spanish is limited.
The building has a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom and seating, and the museum offers tours for visually impaired visitors. There is a changing table, a gender-neutral restroom, a cafe, a restaurant and a gift shop on site.
Perguntas frequentes
Is MIDE suitable for children?
Yes. The museum is aimed at children and teenagers, with games that explain money, saving and investing, and it is often visited on school trips.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Many exhibits rely on Spanish, and the signal inside is weak. Ask staff for WiFi access so you can use a translation app, and ask guides to explain the games.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
The museum recommends getting tickets in advance.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, seating and parking lot. Tours for visually impaired visitors are also offered.
