Museum of the Mayan Civilization

Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Photo © Enrique Duarte Suárez
Photo © Arq. Tamara Uribe
Photo © Enrique Duarte Suárez
Photo © Arq. Tamara Uribe
Photo © Arq. Tamara Uribe
Photo © Arq. Tamara Uribe
Photo © Arq. Tamara Uribe
Photo © Arq. Tamara Uribe
Photo © Arq. Tamara Uribe
Photo © Arq. Tamara Uribe
Architects
Duarte Aznar Arquitectos
Location
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Year
2010

The museum is composed by an elliptical steel beam cylinder resting on a large trunk, underneath the cylinder tree concrete prisms covered by its shade, all this on top of a tall stone platform.

The design is based on the Mayan cosmogony witch place the sacred ceiba tree as a link between heaven and the underworld; it represents the creation of the world from tree large stones and also represents the human desire of getting close to heaven.

The museum has an open lobby near the ceiba trunk and connects the exhibition rooms to the restaurant and children area. A movie theater, offices and multipurpose rooms where located on the top levels. The ground level accommodates the parking and services areas.

The permanent exhibits tell the story of the Mayas from beginning to these days in a way where the museum visitor becomes the main character.

In collaboration with 4A Arquitectos.

Related Projects

  • Shanghai Suhe MixC World
    KOKAISTUDIOS
  • Welcome to the Stage!
    Kjellander Sjöberg
  • Hovering Kan-Too – Great Bay Area Center Showroom
    Wutopia Lab
  • Stockwell-Rodríguez Residence
    Belmont Freeman Architects
  • Haunsbergstraße | 1. Preis
    Architektinnen Schremmer.Jell ZT GmbH

Magazine

Other Projects by Duarte Aznar Arquitectos

State Oncology Center
San Fco. de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
Regional Hospital of High Specialty
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Walmart Montejo Remodelation
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
"House of Machines" Gourmet Market
Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Revitalization of the San Román Neighborhood
San Fco. de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico