TL;DR The Museo Archivo de la Fotografía (MAF) is my go-to spot in the Historic Center for archival photography that tells the story of Mexico City across more than a century. Housed in the striking “Casa de las Ajaracas” on República de Guatemala, MAF preserves millions of images, runs rotating exhibitions in three galleries, and programs talks, workshops and projections year‑round. In 2025 expect a mix of historical displays from the archive, curated contemporary shows, and partnership events with other major venues in the city. Practical tips and a step‑by‑step visiting plan are included below.

Museo Archivo de la Fotografía Mexico City: A Complete Guide to Exhibits and Events in 2025

Why I recommend MAF

I’ve returned to the Museo Archivo de la Fotografía more times than I can count because it does something many institutions promise but few deliver: it uses photography as a primary carrier of urban memory. The archive documents a century (and in places more) of public works, festivals, street life and political rituals — visual records that illuminate how Mexico City physically and socially transformed (see institutional summaries from Cultura CDMX and the city’s venue pages for archive scope).

The building itself is also worth the visit. Known as “La Casa de las Ajaracas” for its neomudéjar façade, it’s an evocative starting point to experience photographic history in situ (building details and history summarized by institutional and encyclopedia sources).

What the collection holds (and why it matters)

MAF’s documented holdings are large: institutional descriptions indicate the archive contains well over a million images — many sources note figures around one to two million photographs — spanning public works, urban infrastructure, civic festivities, and everyday life across the 20th century (city cultural pages and the museum’s archival notes).

• Urban transformation: photos of paving, building construction, parks, lighting and public services.
• Political and civic records: images from municipal campaigns, delegational works, and official ceremonies.
• Social life: street scenes, festivities and customs captured across decades.

For researchers, curators and photographers, those collections are a trove — not only as historical evidence but as raw material for contemporary reinterpretation. I’ve seen exhibitions at MAF that reframe municipal imagery into surprising narratives about memory and identity.

Exhibitions and programming to expect in 2025

In 2025 MAF balances three kinds of programming: exhibitions drawn directly from the archive, contemporary photography shows that use MAF’s spaces, and public programming (talks, workshops, screenings) that connects historical holdings with present concerns.

From what I track across official cultural listings, MAF typically uses three exhibition rooms plus a multipurpose space for workshops and projections (institutional venue pages and museum program descriptions). This allows the museum to host small solo shows, thematic group displays, and archival showcases simultaneously.

Special collaborations and citywide events

MAF participates in the broader Mexico City photo ecosystem. For example, the World Press Photo exhibition visits Mexico City venues (in 2025 it’s scheduled at the Franz Mayer), and MAF often schedules complementary programming or referral events during citywide photographic exhibitions (see World Press Photo calendar). Expect MAF to host parallel talks, screenings, or curated responses when international photo exhibitions appear in nearby institutions.

How MAF compares to other photography and contemporary art venues in CDMX

When I plan a photography‑heavy day in Centro Histórico or nearby neighborhoods, I pair MAF with one other major venue. The table below gives a quick comparison that I use to decide where to go based on my interest (archive vs. contemporary vs. big touring shows).

Venue	Primary focus	Typical scale	Why go in 2025
Museo Archivo de la Fotografía (MAF)	Historical and archival photography; small curated shows	Intimate (3 galleries + multipurpose room)	Archival depth; programs linking city memory with contemporary practice (official museum pages)
Franz Mayer Museum	Applied arts and major touring exhibitions (hosts World Press Photo 2025)	Large, high‑profile exhibitions	World Press Photo 2025 runs Aug–Oct; big international draw (World Press Photo listing)
Museo Jumex	Contemporary art, international and local modern shows	Large, museum‑scale exhibitions and free admission days	Major contemporary exhibitions (check seasonal listings for 2025 openings)
Museo de la Ciudad de México	City history and visual culture	Medium to large civic exhibitions	Complementary city‑history perspective; often pairs well with MAF for broader context (city cultural listings)

My recommended visit itinerary (2–3 hours)

When I visit MAF I like to move deliberately: the photographs reward time and reflection. Here’s my usual 2–3 hour plan.

• Arrival & orientation (10–15 minutes): Read the introductory panels and ask the front desk for any current exhibition brochures.
• Gallery walk (45–60 minutes): Start with the archival show, then move to the contemporary or thematic room. Pause at high‑impact images.
• Multipurpose room & programming (30–45 minutes): If there’s a talk, screening or workshop, I fit it in — these are where curators and photographers often deepen the conversation.
• Reading/consultation (15–30 minutes): If available, use the consultation space to view archival prints or ask about the collection online access.
• Neighborhood extension: Walk to nearby Templo Mayor, Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) or the Franz Mayer if the schedule aligns (short walking distances in the Historic Center).

Practical Guide

I organize my visits to MAF with a few concrete steps so I avoid surprises. Follow these to have a smooth, enriching trip.

1. Check the official schedule and exhibitions: institutional pages list current shows and special events; hours can change for programming or holidays (see Cultura CDMX and the museum’s venue listing).
2. Plan your arrival: MAF is at República de Guatemala 34 (Historic Center). The nearest major transit is Zócalo (metro) and numerous bus routes; check real‑time transit for the day you visit.
3. Buy or confirm tickets: Many public cultural venues in Mexico City run low‑cost or free admission policies for certain days or groups. If you need a guided tour or group visit, contact the museum in advance — the museum site or Cultura CDMX listing will have contact details.
4. Time your visit around programming: If you want talks, screenings or workshops, arrive early and reserve a spot where required. Multipurpose room events can fill quickly on weekends.
5. Bring these essentials: IDs if you plan to consult archives, comfortable shoes for walking the Historic Center, a light notebook for notes, and a small camera if permitted (confirm photo policy at the desk).
6. If you’re doing research: Request archive consultation in advance and ask about digital access. Staff typically provide guidance for consulting images; cataloguing systems vary, so allow extra time.
7. Combine with nearby sites: Pair MAF with Franz Mayer for major photography shows or with urban history museums to get context for the images you see.

Visitor tips from my experience

• Morning visits are calmer: the galleries are quieter and you’ll have more time with single images.
• Ask curators questions: staff at MAF are often open to discussing the provenance and selection of archival images — these conversations deepen the viewing experience.
• Expect small galleries: exhibitions are intimate; look closely and read labels — the museum rewards slow looking.
• If you’re a photographer, check reproduction rules: for publication or high‑resolution reproductions, the museum has formal procedures (contact the archive ahead of time).

Accessibility and services

Institutional listings indicate MAF offers on‑site consultation and a multipurpose room for talks and screenings. For mobility access, advanced arrangements are a good idea: contact the museum to confirm accommodations like elevator access or assistance (official cultural pages and the museum’s venue listing are the best sources for up‑to‑date service info).

Tickets, hours and contact (what I verify before each visit)

Official cultural pages should be your go‑to for hours and contact info. Hours can change for special exhibitions or city events; I always check the Cultura CDMX venue page or the museum’s official listings before leaving home.

Where MAF fits into the 2025 photo scene

In 2025, Mexico City’s photographic circuit is robust: the World Press Photo tour visits the Franz Mayer (Aug–Oct 2025), major contemporary shows continue at institutions like Museo Jumex, and smaller specialist venues like MAF and municipal museums mount archival and thematic projects. MAF’s role is distinct: it provides archival depth and a local perspective that complements touring and contemporary shows (see World Press Photo and museum summaries).

How I use MAF for research and inspiration

As a writer and curator, I regularly consult MAF to trace visual genealogies — how neighborhoods, festivals, and public works were staged visually across decades. The museum’s holdings often fill gaps in other historical narratives because municipal photography documents the quotidian and official interventions alike.

FAQs

Is MAF open every day?

Hours vary and official pages periodically update schedules. I always check the Cultura CDMX or the museum’s listing before going, because public museums sometimes close for installation, holidays or special events.

How large is the MAF collection?

MAF’s holdings are large — institutional descriptions cite figures from roughly one to two million photographs covering more than a century of imagery. Exact counts and digitized access levels change as the archive is processed, so contact the museum for precise catalogue details.

Can I take photos inside the museum?

Photography policies change by exhibition. For casual, non‑commercial photos, small handheld cameras are often allowed, but flash and tripods are typically restricted. For any publication or high‑resolution reproduction, you must request permission from the archive in advance.

Is MAF good for children or families?

Yes — the museum’s visual approach is accessible to older children and teens, and workshops or screenings are often family‑friendly. If you’re bringing younger children, check current programs for suitable activities and times.

Are there guided tours or school programs?

MAF runs workshops, talks and educational programming in its multipurpose room. School groups and guided tours are possible; I recommend contacting the museum well ahead to reserve a guided visit or to inquire about tailored educational content.

How do I request archival images for research or publication?

Contact the museum’s archive department through the official channels. Request procedures typically include a written inquiry, specifying the images or topics you need, and stating the intended use (research, publication, exhibition). Turnaround and fees depend on the material and reproduction rights.

Final thoughts from my visits

MAF is not the flashiest museum in Mexico City, but it’s essential if you care about how photography shapes our understanding of the city. The archive’s depth, the evocative “Casa de las Ajaracas” setting, and the museum’s programming make it a place I return to whenever I need historical perspective or photographic inspiration.

If you’re planning a photography itinerary for 2025, slot MAF into a day that includes a major stop like the Franz Mayer (for the World Press Photo tour in late summer) or a contemporary museum like Jumex. That mix — archive + touring + contemporary — is the best way I’ve found to see how Mexico City’s photographic culture continues to evolve.

Sources: institutional and cultural listings for the Museo Archivo de la Fotografía and Mexico City cultural pages (Cultura CDMX and city venue listings), museum descriptions in the Gran Biblioteca CDMX compilation, and public exhibition calendars such as the World Press Photo 2025 listing for Franz Mayer. When specifics (hours, ticketing, research procedures) are required, I rely on the museum’s official communication channels — always check them before you go.