Center For The Study Of Mexican History

Visiting the Center For The Study Of Mexican History: Mexico City Guide to Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Located in the vibrant heart of Mexico City, the Center For The Study Of Mexican History (Centro de Estudios de Historia de México, CEHM) is a premier destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the country’s rich historical legacy. Founded in 1965 by the Carlos Slim Foundation, CEHM preserves a vast array of documentary treasures—from ancient Indigenous civilizations and colonial-era manuscripts to pivotal documents from the Mexican Revolution and modern times. This cultural institution is vital for understanding Mexico’s past and its ongoing transformation into a contemporary nation (mexicohistorico.com).

Conveniently situated near Mexico City’s historic center and landmarks such as Chapultepec Park and the National Museum of Anthropology, CEHM is well-integrated into the city’s renowned museum and cultural circuit. The Center offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, multilingual guided tours, educational programs, and robust accessibility features—including wheelchair access and sensory accommodations—to ensure an inclusive environment for all visitors (MexicoCity.cdmx.gob.mx).

The CEHM-Carso branch in Chimalistac further expands access, housing approximately 800,000 archival items—including rare documents such as the 1917 Mexican Constitution promulgation letter—and providing digital outreach through virtual tours and online exhibitions (Wikipedia).

This in-depth guide offers essential information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, exhibitions, and travel tips, empowering you to plan a memorable and informative visit to the Center For The Study Of Mexican History in Mexico City.

Introduction to CEHM
Origins and Founding
Historical Context and Collections
Key Archival Treasures
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Special Exhibitions and Events
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Role in Cultural Heritage and Scholarship
Exploring CEHM-Carso
Digital Outreach and Virtual Tours
Practical Tips and Accessibility
Family and Group Visits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Discover the Center For The Study Of Mexican History (CEHM) in Mexico City

The CEHM stands out as a beacon for history enthusiasts, scholars, and cultural travelers eager to explore Mexico’s dynamic past. Its collections offer unparalleled insight into the country’s evolution, bridging ancient Indigenous civilizations with contemporary society.

Origins and Founding

The CEHM was established in 1965 by the Carlos Slim Foundation in response to Mexico’s rapid modernization and the need to preserve irreplaceable documentary heritage. Its mission: to safeguard, research, and share historical materials from the pre-Columbian era through colonial, independence, and revolutionary periods to the present day.

Historical Context and Collections

Mexico’s layered history is reflected in the CEHM’s collections, which encompass materials from civilizations such as the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec, as well as centuries of Spanish colonial rule and the struggle for independence (mexicohistorico.com). The archive includes rare manuscripts, maps, photographs, and documents that provide context for Mexico’s diverse historical periods.

Key Archival Treasures

Highlights of the CEHM’s holdings include:

Colonial-era manuscripts and administrative records from the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
Revolutionary documents, including original proclamations and letters from the 1810–1821 independence movement and the 1910–1920 Mexican Revolution.
Rare cartographic materials tracing Mexico City’s transformation from Aztec Tenochtitlan to a modern metropolis (mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx).
Extensive photographic archives documenting urban growth, social change, and cultural life from the 19th century onward.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed Mondays and public holidays.
Tickets: General admission is 50 MXN; students and seniors receive a 50% discount. Tickets are available onsite or via the official CEHM website.
Guided Tours: Offered Tuesday through Saturday at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM (advance reservation recommended).
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible facilities and accommodations are available upon request.

Special Exhibitions and Events

The CEHM regularly features rotating exhibitions on themes such as Indigenous heritage, colonial governance, and revolutionary art. The Center also hosts lectures, workshops, and cultural festivals, with schedules published on its official website and social media.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Housed in a historic mansion in Polanco, CEHM is near major attractions like Chapultepec Park and the National Museum of Anthropology. Visitors can enjoy:

Multimedia and interactive exhibits.
Educational workshops and seminars.
A research reading room for scholars (by appointment).
A gift shop with books and replicas.

Photography is permitted in most areas (no flash or tripods).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Arrive early to enjoy guided tours and avoid crowds.
Combine your visit with other historical sites, such as the Templo Mayor Museum and the Historic Center.
The Polanco neighborhood is easily accessible via metro and bus.

Role in Cultural Heritage and Scholarship

The CEHM is a key partner in preserving and promoting Mexico’s documentary heritage, working with institutions like INAH and UNESCO (whc.unesco.org). Its archives support international research, public education, and cultural initiatives that celebrate Mexico’s diversity.

Exploring CEHM-Carso: Mexico City’s Premier Historical Archive

Located in the tranquil Chimalistac neighborhood, CEHM-Carso preserves approximately 800,000 items, including 2 million document pages and a library of over 80,000 books. Notable items include:

The promulgation letter of the 1917 Constitution.
The diary of Carlos María de Bustamante.
Private collections from the 19th century, including the Diocese of Guadalajara.
Photographic archives, such as the Lewis Riley collection on Dolores del Río.

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Entry: Free (some tours and special exhibitions may require a nominal fee).

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible and supportive of visitors with disabilities.

Guided Tours: By appointment, recommended for academic groups and special exhibitions.

Travel: Accessible via Miguel Ángel de Quevedo metro station.

For more, visit the official CEHM-Carso page.

Digital Outreach and Virtual Tours

CEHM-Carso participates in UNESCO’s World Digital Library, offering extensive online catalogs and virtual exhibitions. Virtual tours are available on the official website, allowing global audiences to explore Mexico’s heritage remotely.

Practical Tips and Accessibility

Book tickets online during peak periods.
Bring valid ID for research access.
Public transport is recommended, with nearby metro stations.
Wheelchair access, elevators, and accessible restrooms are available.
Audio guides, Braille displays, and staff assistance support diverse visitor needs (Mexperience; UNWTO).

Family and Group Visits

Families and groups are welcomed with interactive activities and age-appropriate materials. Group discounts and private tours are available by request.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When is the CEHM open?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How much is admission?
A: 50 MXN general admission; discounts for students and seniors.

Q: Are tours available in English?
A: Yes, tours are offered in Spanish and English (advance booking advised).

Q: Is the center accessible?
A: Yes, with comprehensive physical and sensory accommodations.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, except with flash or tripods.

Q: Are virtual tours offered?
A: Yes, via the official CEHM website.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Center For The Study Of Mexican History is an essential resource for exploring Mexico’s vibrant past and cultural identity. With expansive collections, accessible facilities, and engaging programs, it is a must-visit for travelers, families, researchers, and anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of Mexican history.

Plan your visit by checking the official CEHM website for ticketing, hours, and special events. Enhance your experience by downloading the Audiala app for guided audio tours and curated cultural content, and follow CEHM on social media for updates.