Palacio de Bellas Artes

Palacio de Bellas Artes showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Palacio de Bellas Artes showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Palacio de Bellas Artes showing a square or plaza and a city


This historic cultural hub is home to some of the most fascinating architecture and artwork in Mexico City.

An art nouveau masterpiece built in 1934, Mexico City's Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is one of the city's iconic landmarks. With its large domes and striking marble columns, you can marvel at this magnificent space flooded with natural light.

On its three uppermost floors you'll find works of art by great Mexican muralists, whilst if you visit after dark, you'll have the chance to take in one of the captivating shows held here throughout the year.

Stop to appreciate the main hall of the palace, where you can admire the sculpted masks of Mayan gods. On the first floor, you can see murals by Rufino Tamayo, as well as his piece Nacimiento de Nuestra Nacionalidad (Birth of Our Nationality), dedicated to Mexico's modern diversity. The best-known work that you'll see is Diego Rivera's El Hombre En El Cruce de Caminos (Man at the Crossroads), which was turned down by New York's Rockefeller Center in the 1930s due to its communist themes.

The palace's Art Deco theatre also plays host to a rich and eclectic programme of concerts, including Mexican and foreign operas, classical music, ballet and Mexican folk music shows. If you get to see a show, admire the theatre's famous stage curtain, made by Tiffany's in New York and comprising almost 1,000,000 pieces of stained glass, including a mural portraying the Valley of Mexico and its two volcanoes. Make sure you look on the palace's website before your visit to see what's on whilst you're in the city. You can also join a guided tour to see the stage curtain for free during its daytime opening hours.

Situated in the Historic Center of Mexico City, you can easily reach the Palace of Fine Arts by walking, taking a taxi or riding on the city's metro system. Close to the palace, you'll find a range of restaurants and cafés. You should allow one to two hours to fully explore the palace. It costs nothing to enter and is open every day except Mondays.

Reviews of Palacio de Bellas Artes

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
19
5 - Excellent 76%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The Diego Rivera mural on Man at The Crossroads is outstanding, The Bellas Artes is a very imposing structure

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful outside but not much inside.

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Things to do near Palacio de Bellas Artes

At Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, art lovers can immerse themselves in captivating art exhibitions and exhibits, showcasing both local and international talent. The surrounding area also offers vibrant shopping opportunities, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. For those seeking adventure, the city presents a plethora of thrilling activities that complement the cultural experiences found within this stunning architectural marvel.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is Mercado de Artesanías La Cuidadela, a vibrant market just 966m away, perfect for local crafts. Cereria de Jesus, a charming store, is only 1.3km from Palacio de Bellas Artes. If you're up for a drive, Antara Polanco, 6.4km away, offers a more extensive shopping experience.

Recreation

Arena México offers an electrifying atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 1.6km from Palacio de Bellas Artes, while the Blackberry Auditorium, located three miles away, provides a vibrant venue for live music and entertainment. For more sports action, Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City is situated four miles away, perfect for active relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, located 6.4km from Palacio de Bellas Artes. Enjoy karting at K1 Speed Mexico Garden Santa Fe, 14.5km away. For a fun-filled adventure, visit Amazing World Fun Center, situated 11.3km from the palace.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Palacio de Bellas Artes is vibrant and diverse. Teatro Metropólitan, only 644m away, offers a rich cultural experience, while the nearby Esperanza Iris City Theater, just 483m away, captivates with its romantic ambiance. For thrills, Aztlán 360, located 6.4km away, provides exhilarating amusement rides.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Palacio de Bellas Artes

Within and around the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, visitors can explore a vibrant piazza, charming streets, and significant monuments. These attractions offer a rich cultural experience, ideal for families and city enthusiasts alike. Whether you're keen on immersing yourself in local culture or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, this area provides a delightful blend of artistic and historical points of interest.

  • Paseo de la Reforma: This vibrant avenue, situated 966m from Palacio de Bellas Artes, is a bustling thoroughfare lined with striking architecture, monuments, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride.
  • Zócalo: Located 805m away, Zócalo is the heart of Mexico City, a grand square steeped in history and culture. Here, you can admire the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and witness various cultural events and performances.
  • Alameda Central: Just 483m from the Palacio, this urban park offers a serene escape with lush greenery, fountains, and walking paths, making it an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Best time to go to Palacio de Bellas Artes

The best time to visit Palacio de Bellas Artes is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.7°F (14.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
February61.3°F (16.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March64.8°F (18.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April67.6°F (19.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
May68.4°F (20.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August62.1°F (16.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November59.2°F (15.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
December58.5°F (14.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palacio de Bellas Artes

To save money during your visit to Palacio de Bellas Artes, plan your trip between July to August or December for lower accommodation prices. Saturdays tend to offer the best rates, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and location, and consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the area and opt for public transport when possible to keep travel costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Palacio de Bellas Artes are July to August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Palacio de Bellas Artes is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Palacio de Bellas Artes is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Palacio de Bellas Artes with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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