The Estanquillo Museum is in Mexico City's Historic Center, on the pedestrian Madero street, in the La Esmeralda building. It holds the collection of writer Carlos Monsiváis, built around Mexican popular culture: cinema and comics, photographs, posters, paintings, sculptures and miniatures. Entry is free on the days it is open, which makes it an easy stop between other sights. The fourth-floor cafe and the rooftop terrace look out over nearby historic buildings.
Carlos Monsiváis and the collection
The museum opened in 2006 to care for the private collection of Carlos Monsiváis, a writer and chronicler of Mexico City. After his death, the collection was donated and put on display here. It reflects his interest in popular culture, cinema, reading and everyday city life.
The name comes from the estanquillo, a small 19th-century shop in the capital where almost any everyday object could be bought. The exhibits follow that idea, with objects that show how ordinary people lived.
The building
The museum is housed in La Esmeralda, on the pedestrian Madero street. The building began as a jewelry store in the 19th century before taking on its present role as a museum.
What is on display
The displays include photographs, paintings, posters, drawings, engravings, lithographs, trading cards, toys, advertisements and miniatures. There are also sculptures and documents related to Mexican cinema and cartoons.
The collection is grouped by medium, with dedicated areas for photography, miniatures, drawings, cartoons and engravings. Temporary exhibitions change from time to time, so a second visit may show different material.
The fourth floor and the terrace
The fourth floor holds the writer's office. His ashes are kept there in an urn shaped like a cat, and visitors who wish to can pause to reflect on his life and work.
The cafe on the fourth floor serves coffee. The rooftop terrace has a cafe that serves drinks and snacks, and from it you can see part of the Historic Center's older architecture.
Planning the visit
Admission is free on the days the museum is open. Allow about 30 minutes for a quick look, and more if you want to read the texts closely.
The bookstore and gift shop are worth a look before you leave. The entrance, seating and restroom are wheelchair accessible. The rooftop terrace is the exception.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Admission is free on the days the museum is open.
How long do you need?
Plan about 30 minutes for a quick visit. Allow more time if you want to read the texts closely.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, seating and restroom are wheelchair accessible. The rooftop terrace is not.
Is the museum open on Mondays?
Yes, it is open on Mondays and closed on Tuesdays.
Is there a cafe?
Yes. There is a cafe on the fourth floor that serves coffee, and the rooftop terrace has a cafe that serves drinks and snacks.
