Museo Soumaya
Mexico City · Mexico · Founded 2011
Good for: Art Lovers · Architecture Enthusiasts · Budget Travelers
2011
Current Building Opened
66,000+
Works in Collection
1.5–2 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Museo Soumaya in Mexico City, Mexico — the Museo Soumaya is a private museum founded by billionaire Carlos Slim Helú as a tribute to his late wife, Soumaya Domit. Open Daily: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Admission: ✓ Free admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (1.5–2 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Museo Soumaya
The Museo Soumaya is a private museum founded by billionaire Carlos Slim Helú as a tribute to his late wife, Soumaya Domit. The current building — designed by Slim's son-in-law Fernando Romero — opened in 2011 in the Polanco district.
Its curving, hexagonal steel form clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons has become one of the most iconic buildings in Mexico City and one of the defining pieces of contemporary architecture in Latin America.
The collection of more than 66,000 works spans 30 centuries of art, from pre-Columbian artefacts to 20th-century European and Mexican masters. The museum holds the largest private collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside France.
Admission is entirely free — making it one of the most visited museums in Mexico and an essential stop in the Polanco district alongside Chapultepec Park.
1.5–2 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Museo Soumaya without museum fatigue. · 1.5–2 hours
- 1
The Thinker
📍 Rodin Gallery, upper floor
One of multiple Rodin bronzes in the collection — the largest private Rodin holding outside France, with major casts of The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell.
- 2
The Gates of Hell
📍 Rodin Gallery
Rodin's monumental portal inspired by Dante's Inferno — a centrepiece of the museum's European sculpture collection.
- 3
Virgin of Guadalupe with Four Apparitions
📍 Colonial Art Gallery
An exceptional viceregal painting from the museum's outstanding collection of Mexican colonial art.
- 4
Fernando Romero Building
📍 Exterior and atrium
The torus-shaped building clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons — an architectural landmark visible from across Polanco.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Museo Soumaya — and why they matter.
The Thinker
Auguste Rodin · bronze cast
📍 Rodin Gallery, upper floor
One of multiple Rodin bronzes in the collection — the largest private Rodin holding outside France, with major casts of The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell.
The Gates of Hell
Auguste Rodin · bronze cast
📍 Rodin Gallery
Rodin's monumental portal inspired by Dante's Inferno — a centrepiece of the museum's European sculpture collection.
Virgin of Guadalupe with Four Apparitions
Mexican colonial artist · 18th century
📍 Colonial Art Gallery
An exceptional viceregal painting from the museum's outstanding collection of Mexican colonial art.
Fernando Romero Building
Fernando Romero · 2011
📍 Exterior and atrium
The torus-shaped building clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons — an architectural landmark visible from across Polanco.
Collections & highlights
- • World's largest private Rodin collection
- • Mexican colonial and viceregal painting
- • European Old Masters — El Greco, Rubens, Tintoretto
- • Pre-Columbian artefacts
- • Fernando Romero aluminium-clad building
Frequently asked questions
Is Museo Soumaya really free?
Yes — admission to Museo Soumaya is entirely free every day of the week. It is one of the most visited museums in Mexico.
What makes the building special?
The building by architect Fernando Romero is clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons and curves dramatically on all sides with no straight walls. It has become one of the defining pieces of contemporary architecture in Latin America.
How does it compare to the Museo Nacional de Antropología?
The two museums are completely different in scope. The Soumaya focuses on European and Mexican colonial art and sculpture; the National Museum of Anthropology covers pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilisations. Both are worth visiting on a trip to Mexico City.
How long should I spend at Museo Soumaya?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Museo Soumaya best known for?
The Museo Soumaya is a private museum founded by billionaire Carlos Slim Helú as a tribute to his late wife, Soumaya Domit. The current building — designed by Slim's son-in-law Fernando Romero — opened in 2011 in the Polanco district. Its curving, hexagonal steel form clad in 16,000 aluminium hexagons has become one of the most iconic buildings in Mexico City. Key highlights include World's largest private Rodin collection, Mexican colonial and viceregal painting, European Old Masters — El Greco, Rubens, Tintoretto.
How do I get tickets for Museo Soumaya?
✓ Free admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.museosoumaya.org/en/
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