I thought the Ciudad de México was supposed to have the best museums. Well, it might, but Oaxaca certainly gives it a run. My favorite of the many museums we explored was the Cultural Museum situated next to the cathedral in El Centro. After having been to the Anthropology Museum in CDMX, you’d think we were burned out looking at so many antiquities, but you’d be wrong.
There are statues large and small, religious iconography and conquest remains. Note the great views of the botanical gardens next door from the upper windows of the converted monastery museum.
Cool temperatures in this mountainous city were a lovely break in August.
The gardens are young but having planted adult plants makes it feel ancient.
The Oaxacan Textile Museum shows some of the amazing costumes of the many indigenous populations that live in the state. Not only are they beautiful, but the quality of the handwork is mind boggling to this fiber artist.
As the world over, many skills being lost as the younger generation is not interested in such time consuming work.
The Filatelia Museum, no I didn’t know what it was either, is a collection of all things postal. There are letters from back in the day when we wrote words by hand. Letters from Frida to her doctor are arranged vertically to peruse front and back, in large pull-out drawers. There were postcards, stamps, a typewriter, even old mailboxes. I am particularly fond of writing postcards. Time to revive the habit.
Many colorful Mexican stamps.
One more astonishing museum is the private collection of world renowned Oaxacan muralist, Rufino Tamayo. I know I can use words like amazing, astonishing, and fabulous just so many times without my readers glazing over. This one is not to be missed.
Goddess in many renditions.
Then there are the incidental galleries found overhead in corner restaurants where we stopped for breakfast.
Mexico is all things Frida.
If Oaxaca is on your bucket list, give yourself at least ten days. You need that amount of time to leisurely explore the many wonderful things there are to see, do and eat. Enjoy a rooftop sunset, mescal tasting and time to wander. You won’t be disappointed.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
I have been to Oaxaca only once, long ago. And I had just three days. Clearly, I must return!
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It was so worth the time. Lisa got sick and we were glad for the down day. Visit quickly, the charm is being replaced by “made in China”.
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I love the onyx markets in Oaxaca!!
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Didn’t see much onyx nor in Puebla. There was lots years ago. A lot is changing.
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Thank you for this! I am eager to plan a trip there…:)
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Much is slipping away. Go soon.
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Much is slipping away everywhere. Happy that you were able to see so much. Envious!
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