TL;DR The Museo del Objeto del Objeto (MODO) in Roma Norte, Mexico City, is a one-of-a-kind museum that tells Mexico’s recent social and design history through everyday objects — from 19th-century packaging and political posters to surreal assemblages in rotating shows. Plan for a 1.5–2 hour visit, check current exhibitions and opening hours before you go, bring cash or card for the modest entrance fee, and use the museum as a launch point to explore Colima and the wider Roma neighborhood. (Address: Colima 145; archive size: over 100,000 objects.)

Museo del Objeto del Objeto Mexico City: A Complete Guide to Unique Exhibits and Insider Tips

I first wandered into MODO because I wanted to see how a museum could make ordinary things interesting. What I found was a place that treats cans, postcards, posters and even funeral photographs as storytellers — each object a way to read Mexican social history, design trends and shifts in communication. In this guide I’ll walk you through what MODO is, what to expect, practical tips from my visits, and answers to the questions people most often ask.

Why MODO is different

Most museums organize by period, artist or theme. MODO organizes by object and story. Its mission is to reveal how everyday artifacts — packaging, advertising, household items, tools — reflect broader cultural, political and technological change in Mexico from the 19th century to today (the museum’s archive is listed in public sources as over 100,000 objects and in some accounts around 140,000) (Google Arts & Culture; Wikipedia; MODO official communications).

• Focus on communication and design: MODO was conceived as Mexico’s first museum dedicated to design and communication and it stages temporary exhibitions that reinterpret material culture (WhichMuseum; ElMODO).
• Objects as narrative devices: exhibitions place items out of their everyday context — a soup tin, a pamphlet, a hairpiece — and ask what those things tell us about identity, advertising or political life (MODO; CDMX Secreta coverage of Sinsentido).
• Agile, topical programming: rotating shows mean you can visit multiple times and see very different curatorial approaches; past shows have explored Dada/Surreal influences, advertising history, and funerary culture (CDMX Secreta; ElMODO).

Quick facts

• Address: Colima 145, Colonia Roma Norte (listed in public records and visitor guides) (Wikipedia; MexicoEsCultura).
• Building: Housed in an early 20th-century Art Nouveau residence — a protected historic structure — which gives the exhibitions a domestic, intimate feel (Wikipedia).
• Archive: Public sources cite the collection as more than 100,000 objects; other institutional descriptions note an inventory of around 140,000 items spanning packaging, photography, political propaganda, and graphic arts (Google Arts & Culture; ElMODO; Wikipedia).
• Collections highlight: packaging and advertising design, political leaflets, historical photography, funerary items and industrial ephemera (Google Arts & Culture; ElMODO).
• Typical opening hours: commonly reported as 10:00–18:00; many sources list Wednesday–Sunday but some list Tuesday–Saturday — check ahead (WhichMuseum; MexicoEsCultura).
• Entrance: modest fee reported in cultural listings (MexicoEsCultura lists a general admission around MXN 60 with discounts for students, teachers, INAPAM and locals; under-12s free).
• Online: the museum publishes rotating exhibitions and curatorial statements; social handles and the site provide current programs (@museomodo) (MexicoEsCultura).

What you’ll actually see — and how the exhibits feel

During my visits I noticed two constant threads: curators choose objects to provoke questions, not simply to catalog; and displays are playful, sometimes provocative. An exhibition might group tobacco tins, vintage mailers and commercial labels to trace how branding shaped taste; another show could assemble hundreds of small items to create a surreal experience that pushes your perception of “use.”

Examples of exhibition themes you may encounter:

• Advertising and packaging design through two centuries (a great primer on graphic evolution).
• Political and social memory: campaign ephemera, protest flyers and political cartoons.
• Surreal or experimental installations that reposition everyday items to question perception (e.g., Sinsentido, which used 200 everyday and antique objects to challenge reality) (CDMX Secreta).
• Photography and documentary collections, including funeral images and vernacular photography.

Visitor experience and accessibility

The museum’s layout inside an Art Nouveau house creates compact rooms and an intimate flow. Because exhibitions change, lighting and display types vary — some rooms are dense with small items; others are minimal and conceptual.

• Recommended visit time: 1.5–2 hours to absorb at a relaxed pace and read curatorial notes.
• Photography: rules can change by exhibition; on my visits staff recommended checking at the front desk — many displays allow non-flash photography but some special exhibits restrict images.
• Accessibility: being inside an older building means some areas can be tight; contact the museum ahead if you have mobility concerns (museum listings recommend checking before visiting) (WhichMuseum).

Comparing MODO to other Mexico City museums

Aspect	MODO (Museo del Objeto del Objeto)	National Museum of Anthropology
Primary focus	Design, communication and everyday objects from 19th century to present	Pre-Hispanic archaeology and anthropological collections
Visit style	Rotating, thematic shows; intimate rooms	Large permanent halls; major national narratives
Typical visit length	1.5–2 hours	3+ hours
Location	Roma Norte (Colima 145) — walkable neighborhood with cafés	Chapultepec / Bosque de Chapultepec — museum district
Admission (typical)	Modest fee; discounts for students, teachers, INAPAM; kids under 12 often free (check current pricing)	Varies; large museum with standard national pricing and free entry days — check official site

Note: I compared MODO to a national-scale institution to highlight scale and focus differences. For other neighborhood museums (Frida Kahlo, Museo Tamayo, etc.) expect different emphases and ticketing requirements; checking each museum’s site is essential.

Practical Guide

I organize my practical advice into concrete steps so you can plan a smooth visit:

1. Check current exhibitions and hours. Because MODO focuses on temporary shows, the program changes often. Confirm opening days and times before you travel — many public listings show openings around 10:00–18:00, but whether the museum is closed Monday–Tuesday varies between sources (WhichMuseum; MexicoEsCultura). I always check the museum’s social channels or call the phone number listed in cultural guides (MexicoEsCultura: 55 5533 9637) before leaving.
2. Get there. The museum sits on Colima in Roma Norte. Nearest public transport references often list Metro Insurgentes and Metrobús Durango as practical options (Wikipedia). Taxis and ride-hailing are straightforward in Roma.
3. Buy tickets on arrival (or online if available). Many visitors pay at the desk. Expect a modest cultural admission (around MXN 60 reported in official cultural listings) with discounts for students, teachers, INAPAM and Roma neighbors; children under 12 may enter free (MexicoEsCultura). Bring a form of ID if you expect a discount.
4. Start with the current temporary exhibition. Curators design the show to guide you through the story; lean into the wall texts and object labels — they often reveal surprising connections.
5. Allow time for the archive vibe. Some rooms present cabinets of ephemera and packaging that reward slow looking. If you’re into design or visual culture, linger.
6. Ask staff about photography and special programs. The museum runs talks, guided visits and workshops; I once stayed for a curator talk that reframed a familiar object in a new way.
7. Combine it with neighborhood plans. Roma Norte is full of cafés, bookstores and galleries. I often plan lunch or a coffee in the area after a MODO visit to continue the conversation sparked by the objects.

Insider tips from my visits

• Arrive early on a weekday if you want quieter rooms and to read labels without crowds.
• Because exhibitions are temporary and often thematic, you can return multiple times and see very different curatorial voices. I recommend following @museomodo to get exhibition announcements and events (MexicoEsCultura).
• If you’re studying design, take photos of labels (when allowed) and note designers or manufacturers — the archive is a rich resource for historical packaging and graphic work.
• Ask at reception about catalogue publications or digital resources — MODO has cataloging efforts and partnerships that make part of the archive accessible digitally (Google Arts & Culture; MODO communications).
• Pair MODO with a stroll along Colima, Álvaro Obregón and the surrounding Roma streets to see period architecture and contemporary design shops.

Tickets, prices and discounts (what public sources say)

Public cultural listings and museum directories report a modest admission (MexicoEsCultura lists MXN 60) and several discounts: INAPAM (senior citizen card), student and teacher rates, neighbors of the Roma with proper ID, and free entry for children under 12. Because pricing policies can change, treat these figures as a guideline and verify current rates before you go.

How MODO handles conservation and collection care

MODO inventories, photographs and digitally catalogs its collection — several institutional descriptions emphasize that objects are cataloged and conserved and that the archive contains not only everyday packaging but also documentary and photographic material (Google Arts & Culture; ElMODO). If you’re researching historical advertising, the museum’s holdings are often referenced by scholars and designers for their breadth across two centuries of Mexican material culture.

Practicalities: safety, amenities and family friendliness

• Security: Standard museum security is in place. The neighborhood is lively; usual city precautions apply.
• Lockers/bags: For my visits I was asked to leave large bags at the desk — carry-on-sized items are normally permitted but follow staff instructions.
• Cafés and restrooms: There are neighborhood cafés nearby; check the museum’s site or reception for on-site amenities.
• Family visits: Many exhibits are approachable for teens and design-minded children; small children often get free entry, but check exhibit content (some shows explore funerary culture or political histories that may be sensitive).

FAQs

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Not usually — many visitors buy tickets at the door. However, for special exhibitions, workshops or events the museum may recommend or require advanced booking. I always check MODO’s social accounts or call ahead (MexicoEsCultura lists the museum phone) before making plans.

What are the museum’s hours?

Public listings commonly report opening hours around 10:00–18:00 with the museum open multiple days a week; some directories list Wednesday–Sunday while others list Tuesday–Saturday. Because sources differ, check the museum’s official communication channels right before your visit (WhichMuseum; MexicoEsCultura).

How long should I allow for a visit?

Plan for 1.5–2 hours. If you’re a design or photography specialist, you can easily spend more time — the rotating exhibitions and dense cabinets reward slow looking.

Is the museum good for children?

Yes, for curious children who enjoy objects and visual stories. Note that some exhibitions may touch on adult topics (political history, funerary practices) so guardian discretion is advised. Many sources indicate free or reduced entry for kids; check the museum’s admissions policy for details (MexicoEsCultura).

Can I take photos inside the museum?

Photography policies depend on the exhibition. On my visits staff have allowed non-flash photos for many displays but restricted photography for certain works or special shows. Ask at the front desk upon arrival to avoid issues.

Does MODO accept donations or loans of objects?

The museum has roots in private collecting and continues to develop its archive through donations and acquisitions. If you have historically significant objects or collections, contact the museum directly — they have cataloging procedures and curatorial staff who evaluate material (ElMODO; Google Arts & Culture).

Is the museum accessible by public transport?

Yes. The Roma neighborhood is well connected; guides often mention Metro Insurgentes and Metrobús Durango as nearby stops. Walking from nearby streets is straightforward; consider a taxi or ride-hail if you prefer door-to-door transit (Wikipedia; WhichMuseum).

Final thoughts

MODO is one of those museums that shifts your attention: after a visit you start looking at packaging, labels and small objects differently. It’s an ideal stop if you care about design, visual culture, advertising, or modern social history told through tangible things. The museum’s compact, thematic shows make it perfect for a focused cultural outing or a longer research visit. If you’re in Mexico City, block out a morning or afternoon, check what’s on, and let a soup tin or a campaign flyer tell you a story about Mexico you didn’t expect.

If you want, I can check current exhibitions and opening times for the exact dates you plan to visit — tell me your travel dates and I’ll pull the latest info.