TL;DR I’ve visited the Museo de Cera in Mexico City more than once; it’s an atmospheric Art Nouveau house-turned-attraction in Colonia Juárez with roughly 230–260 wax figures across about 14 themed rooms (estimates vary by source). Expect hyper-realistic celebrity, historical and fictional figures, interactive attractions like a Sala de Terror and a mirror maze, plus Ripley’s oddities in the same complex. Plan 1.5–2.5 hours, buy tickets in advance on the museum site, go early or late to avoid crowds, and use the practical tips below to get the most photogenic visit.

Museo de Cera Mexico City: A Complete Guide to the Most Captivating Wax Figures

Why I keep recommending the Museo de Cera

As someone who writes about museums and tourism in Mexico City, the Museo de Cera is one of those places I return to because it’s both accessible and unexpectedly charming. Housed in the historic Hacienda de la Teja (an Art Nouveau building from the early 1900s), the museum mixes cultural figures, pop icons and interactive spots that work for families, couples and solo visitors.

What makes it worth the trip for me is the layering: architectural atmosphere, a broad roster of figures, and side attractions (mirror maze, Sala de Terror, Ripley’s curiosities) that keep the experience dynamic. I’ve used the official museum materials and local listings to cross-check hours, prices and practical details so you can plan confidently.

Quick facts at a glance

• Location: Calle Londres No. 6, Colonia Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City (central and walkable from Reforma/La Zona Rosa).
• Building: Hacienda de la Teja — Art Nouveau house built circa 1900–1904 (a historic setting that elevates the visit).
• Collection size: Sources report between ~230 and 260+ figures across ~14 themed rooms (counts vary; the museum’s official site states “more than 260” while other museum directories report “more than 230”).
• Typical opening hours: Daily, roughly 11:00–19:00 (consistent across several listings).
• Ticket prices: Reported prices vary between outlets (see comparative table below); the museum’s official site sells tickets online and lists activities like making a wax hand.
• Branches: The Museo de Cera has additional sites in Guadalajara and Veracruz.

What you’ll see: standout rooms and figures

The museum’s 14 themed rooms are where it shines. Based on my visits and the museum’s own descriptions, highlights include:

• Historical Mexico: Figures of national leaders and historical personalities that help place Mexican history in a tactile, visual context.
• Entertainment & Music: Pop stars and movie icons positioned for photo ops; the likenesses are often very convincing.
• Sports: Athletes whose posture and kit are excellent for fans’ snapshots.
• Sala de Terror: A dedicated horror room that’s theatrical and a crowd-pleaser for teens and adults.
• Laberinto de Espejos (Mirror Maze): A fun, disorienting attraction that mixes well with the wax figures for a multi-activity outing.
• Interactive workshops: Options like creating your own “manita de cera” (mini wax hand) — a memorable souvenir available at the museum.

My honest take on realism and staging

Wax figures range from startlingly life-like to clearly theatrical. I always advise focusing less on “perfect realism” and more on the staging and moments you can create — the museum is designed for photos and playful encounters. Lighting and background sets make a huge difference: look for scenes where the figure is part of a detailed tableau (historical scenes, film dioramas).

Comparative snapshot (what different sources report)

Source / Listing	Figures reported	Rooms	Typical hours	Adult price (reported)	Notes
Museo de Cera (official site)	260+	14	Daily (usually 11:00–19:00)	Tickets sold online (price varies)	Mentions Sala de Terror, mirror maze, wax-hand workshop; branches in GDL & VER
MuseosdeMexico (local museum directory)	230+	14	Daily 11:00–19:00	$100 MXN (reported)	Gives contact phone and metro access details; lists services like guided visits
WhichMuseum (visitor listing)	Not specified	Not specified	Daily 11:00–19:00	MX$170 (reported)	User-review style listing; useful for visitor logistics
Turibus / Ripley combo listings	Not specified	Museum + Ripley’s	Tour durations ~3 hours	Tour price varies	Combines wax figures with Ripley’s Odditorium in the same attraction package

How to get there

The museum sits on Calle Londres in Colonia Juárez — a short walk from Metro Cuauhtémoc and the Reforma/Insurgentes corridor. On my visits I’ve used both Metro and walking routes from surrounding neighborhoods; the area is central and well served by buses and taxis. MuseosdeMexico and the museum’s own site list Cuauhtémoc and Hamburgo stations as nearby options.

Practical Guide

Below are the concrete steps I take (and recommend) to maximize your visit — from purchase to exit.

1. Buy tickets ahead: Go to the official Museo de Cera website to check current prices and reserve tickets. This avoids lines and ensures availability for special activities (wax-hand workshops, timed entries).
2. Choose the best time: Arrive at opening (11:00) or after 16:00 to avoid the largest midday crowds. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
3. Plan 90–150 minutes: Allocate 1.5–2.5 hours to enjoy both the wax rooms and the mirror maze / Sala de Terror without rushing.
4. Bring a camera or phone with good low-light performance: Some rooms are dim for effect. Use a steady hand or light stabilizer; flash is usually discouraged because it can damage figures or ruin photos.
5. Start at the top of the house: I like to follow a clockwise route so more dramatic rooms and the Sala de Terror come toward the end — a natural narrative arc to the visit.
6. Ask about workshops and combos: If you want the wax-hand or Ripley’s package, buy a combo or book in advance because these extras often sell out faster than general admission.
7. Accessibility and facilities: The museum lists services like universal access and a small shop and cafeteria; if accessibility is a concern, call ahead (contact numbers are listed on local directories).
8. Combine with nearby sites: Pair the museum with a walk through Zona Rosa, a café stop on Avenida Chapultepec, or a visit to nearby cultural venues to round out the day.

Money, tickets and time-saving tips

• Ticket prices and promotions change — I always check the official site before going because third-party directories sometimes show older rates.
• Look for family packages or student/teacher discounts; some listings (MuseosdeMexico) note reduced prices for students and INAPAM (senior) cards.
• If you’re short on time, prioritize the rooms that interest you most (history, entertainment, Sala de Terror) and skip the parts you’ve already seen on prior visits.

Photography and behavior

Photography is one of the main reasons people visit. I recommend:

• Turn off flash and use ambient light when possible.
• Be considerate of other visitors — let people finish their photos before you step in.
• Don’t touch figures unless signage explicitly allows it (as a rule, wax figures are fragile or treated as exhibits).

Family visits and children

Families will find a lot to like: themed rooms, interactive areas, and the mirror maze. The Sala de Terror might be too intense for very young children, so preview that room if you’re unsure. The museum offers activities geared toward kids like creating a wax hand — a hit with younger visitors.

Safety, hygiene, and COVID-era notes

My most recent visits have shown standard museum safety: controlled entry, clear signage, and staff to guide visitors. For current policies about masks, capacity limits or sanitation, check the museum’s official channels before you go.

Nearby recommendations

• Walk Calle Londres and see the surrounding architecture of Colonia Juárez.
• Grab coffee or lunch in Zona Rosa or Avenida Chapultepec afterward.
• Combine with a tour that includes Ripley’s (some tour operators bundle both attractions for convenience).

FAQs

What are the museum hours?

Typical hours listed across official and local sources are 11:00–19:00 daily. I always double-check the museum’s official site the week of my visit in case of special hours or holidays.

How long should I plan to stay?

Allocate 90 to 150 minutes. That gives time to see the 14 thematic rooms, enjoy the mirror maze and Sala de Terror, and participate in a short workshop or souvenir activity if you want.

Are there discounts for students, seniors or children?

Yes. Local museum listings report reduced rates for children, INAPAM (seniors), students and teachers with valid ID. Exact discounts and requirements vary, so bring valid credentials and confirm prices on the museum website.

Can I take pictures and use flash?

Photography for personal use is allowed, but flash is typically discouraged to protect exhibits and preserve atmosphere. Always follow posted rules and staff requests.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?

The museum lists universal access among its services. Because the building is an older historic house, I recommend calling ahead to confirm specific accessibility features for your needs.

Are there guided tours or audio guides?

The site and directories mention guided visits and educational activities. Audio guides are not prominently listed in directories I consulted; if you want a guide, reserve ahead or ask at the ticket desk for scheduled guided tours.

Can I visit Ripley’s at the same time?

Yes — the Wax Museum is commonly paired with Ripley’s Odditorium in local tour packages and some combined tickets. Tour operators like Turibus offer combined visits that include both attractions.

Final thoughts — what I always tell readers

Visit the Museo de Cera with curiosity, a camera, and flexible time. It’s not just about perfect replicas; it’s about the staging, the historic house, and the playful surprises along the way. If you go with expectations tuned to variety and entertainment rather than hyper-museum-formality, you’ll leave with better photos and a more memorable experience.

If you’d like, I can check today’s ticket prices and available time slots on the museum’s booking page or suggest a walking route that pairs the museum with a café and a nearby gallery. I can also help book a guided visit if you tell me your travel dates.