In order to learn about a city and understand its history, nothing can beat visiting its museums. Querétaro is well qualified in this area, as it has an outstanding variety. If you’re planning to stay in the city, add the following to your must-do list:
Site Museum of the Archeological Zone of El Cerrito
It’s found just over 4 miles from the Historic center, at the foot of a pyramid that was once a place of worship for various different pre-Hispanic societies. It houses 125 items discovered during excavation work in the area. You can visit from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am and entry is free.
Museum of the Cerro de las Campanas
This interactive museum reveals significant details about the region, such as the origin of the word Querétaro and of the city’s famous aqueduct. It can be found in the national park of the same name, so named because it contains certain rocks that, when knocked together, make a metallic sound, similar to that of a bell. It’s also famous for being the site of the execution by firing squad of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico.
Museo Casa de la Zacatecana
The home of ‘la Zacatecana’ (the woman from Zacatecas) can be found in a 17th century mansion and houses a permanent exhibition of decorative art. The main attraction is that the crimes of passion said to have been committed there form part of one of the most popular legends of Querétaro and you can find out more from the videos screened in its different rooms. The Museo Casa de la Zacatecana is open from Monday to Sunday and entry costs $60 pesos.
Museum of Conspirators
This is a curious museum as, through the murals on the walls of an old restored mansion, you’re told the story of the conspiracy that led to the Independence of Mexico in 1810. It also tells of other plots behind revolutions such as those in the United States and Haiti.
The Museum of Conspirators is situated at Andador 5 de mayo, famous for its bars and restaurants, so ideal for a drink or snack afterwards. Right opposite is San Miguelito, one of the city’s most famous restaurants, serving Mexican dishes.
Querétaro Museum of Contemporary Art
The former Convent of Santa Cruz was taken over to house the MACQ, one of the city’s youngest museums (2018). The contrast created between the old building and the work exhibited in its 14 rooms is wonderful.
Entry is free but it’s a good idea to visit its website or social media profiles before you go, as it closes during exhibition changeovers.
Querétaro Museum of Art
Located in a former cloister dating back to the 18th century, it’s worth a visit simply to step into its baroque courtyard, considered one of the prettiest in Latin America. Its collection of art is also worth a look, as there are works from different styles, ranging from Mannerism to contemporary art. The MAQRO opens at 10am and entry is free.
Regional Museum of Querétaro
It’s housed in a building that was once a convent. Its construction began in 1540, but it wasn’t until 1936 that it became a museum. Furniture, paintings, documents, photographs and other objects help to tell the history of the state from the pre-Columbian era until the 20th century. Entry costs $60 pesos (about 3 dollars) and it’s free on Sundays.
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