Rafael Coronel Museum is a tribute to the folk traditions of Mexico, bringing the country’s customary masks to the forefront. Lying within the historic remains of the 16th-century San Francisco Convent, the museum displays about 5,000 Mexican masks, as well as puppets, drawings and other intriguing artifacts. Piece together a rich history via these second faces of pre-Columbian Mexico on a visit to Rafael Coronel Museum.
Upon arrival, study the whimsical outdoor sculptures as you wander through the channels of the garden. An elegant colonnade lines the lower portion of the abandoned monastery’s wall.
Head inside and explore the Face of Mexico exhibit to see thousands of colorful and intriguing masks, which come from the vast collection of surrealist artist Rafael Coronel.
Learn about the difference between the traditional masks for ceremonies and the decorative masks. Let your kids pick out the scariest and most exceptional from the many faces adorning the walls. Mexican masks have been used in ritual practices for thousands of years.
The museum also displays an array of intriguing puppets that belonged to a puppet theater troupe. Find out about the traditions and methods of indigenous people in the section filled with pre-Columbian pots and vases. You’ll also find terracotta sculptures dating back to colonial times.
Admire the sketches and drawings by 20th-century Mexican painter Diego Rivera, known for his large and colorful murals. He was the father-in-law of Rafael Coronel.
The museum is open Thursday through Tuesday from morning until late afternoon. There is a fee to enter ask for discounts for students.
Rafael Coronel Museum is in the Filarmonica district, a little north of the historic center of Zacatecas. From the heart of the city, walk north for about 30 minutes to reach the museum.
Explore the surroundings for other nearby gems such as the Museo Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguérez, the Instituto Zacatecano de Cultura and the Museo Toma de Zacatecas.
