The National Museum of the Revolution occupies the basement of the Monument to the Revolution, in Mexico City's Cuauhtémoc district. It opened in 1986 and holds more than 3,000 items from the armed struggle of 1910, including documents, rifles, costumes and charro hats. The main draw is the observation deck, 216 feet up, reached by a glass elevator and a climb of 208 steps. Displays run in chronological order from the Spanish conquest onward, so the story unfolds as you walk.
Under the Monument to the Revolution
The museum sits in the basement of the Monument to the Revolution, on the Plaza de la República in the Cuauhtémoc district. The museum opened on November 20, 1986. Many visitors first see the monument from a distance, but the building looks more striking up close, with its outside and inside both well built.
The building has been renovated, and the space is clean and open to visitors with wheelchairs.
What the collection covers
More than 3,000 items relate to the armed struggle Mexico went through at the end of 1910. Displays include documents, rifles, costumes and charro hats. Video material covers the civil conflict that followed.
The route is set out chronologically. Arrows on the floor guide you through the sequence, so you move from one period to the next without backtracking. The collection also covers Mexican history from the Spanish conquest onward, which gives the revolution its background.
The climb to the observation deck
The observation deck is 216 feet high. You reach it with a glass elevator and then take the steps, 208 in total, several of them spiral. The deck is the part of the visit most people come for.
The view is strongest over the event space below. Taller buildings block many of the well-known landmarks, so the skyline is less complete than some visitors expect. Visitors who went in the evening recommend going when the monument's lights are on, since the building looks dramatic at night.
The cafe near the top
A cafe sits near the top and serves hot and cold drinks, along with treats that visitors single out as good. Space is tight: the cafe has room for only two employees, so orders take longer when the deck is busy. One visitor found the coffee disappointing, so treats may be the better choice.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the museum charges admission. Admission is free on Sundays.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
The exhibits are in Spanish. A picture translation tool helps visitors who don't read the language follow the displays.
How many steps are there to the observation deck?
The route combines a glass elevator with 208 steps in total, several of them spiral. The deck is 216 feet high.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the elevator and the restroom are wheelchair accessible.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended, so book before you arrive.
