Museo de la Luz Mérida UNAM

The Museum of Light in Mérida is a unique space where science meets art, opening up a fascinating world of optical phenomena to visitors. Located in the heart of the state of Yucatan in sunny Mexico, this modern center became the first university science museum of its kind outside the capital.

The exhibition is set within the former Parque La Plancha railway station, transforming the industrial space into an avant-garde architectural complex. Here, across more than 4,000 square meters, visitors can explore the nature of light through interactive devices, holograms, and light installations powered by eco-friendly solar energy.

The museum doesn't just teach physics; it stimulates the imagination using an innovative learning model where space and personal experience play a key role. Permanent galleries cover everything from the structure of the human eye to the light of distant constellations captured by modern telescopes, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for guests of all ages.

For those planning a visit to this innovative space, we have prepared the current contact details. The museum is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to include in your walking tour. You can contact the administration by phone or explore the detailed event program on the official resource.

The main highlight of visiting the museum is the opportunity for active interaction with the exhibits. In the galleries, you don't just look at display cases; you conduct real experiments: manipulate beams, study the properties of lenses, and observe how light is used in modern medicine (e.g., in CT scanners) and astronomy. The section dedicated to the invisible spectrum is particularly impressive, explaining the operation of everyday gadgets through wave physics.

Aesthetics lovers will enjoy the art installations and the holography hall, where light is turned into a delicate creative tool. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and spectacular light shows. For those who want to dive deeper into the subject, the museum offers workshops, educational courses, and film screenings organized by UNAM specialists.

Night events are often held on the open terraces. Visitors can compare modern astronomical data with the knowledge of ancient civilizations while observing constellations through telescopes. This turns a trip to the museum into a full-scale adventure, uniting the history of Earth and the infinity of space through the prism of brilliant discoveries.

Getting to the museum is quite simple, as it is located in the central part of the city next to the popular Parque La Plancha. If you are staying in the historic center, a walk from Plaza Grande or the Cathedral will take about 15–20 minutes. This is a pleasant route through the colorful streets of Mérida, allowing you to feel the city's atmosphere and see its architectural diversity.

For those who prefer public transport, buses and colectivos running along Calle 50 are suitable — stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the entrance. A taxi ride from most central areas or major hotels will take only 10–15 minutes. The museum is also easily accessible by rented bicycles or scooters, which are very popular among tourists and locals alike.

The history of the Museum of Light in Mérida is closely linked to the development of science in the country. The project began its journey back in 1996 in Mexico City, housed within the walls of an old 16th-century monastery. Over the decades of its existence, the museum's concept has transformed, welcoming more than 25 million guests across various historical locations in the capital before finding its new modern home in Yucatan.

The site chosen for the new venue was the territory of the abandoned Parque La Plancha railway station. The renovation of this space allowed for the creation of not just a museum, but an eco-friendly complex that preserves the region's industrial heritage while filling it with cutting-edge technology. This decision highlighted the UNAM university's commitment to expanding the horizons of education beyond the capital region.

The museum building itself is an architectural bridge: it connects the memory of Mexico's railway development with the future of renewable energy. Today, this scientific center in Mexico is considered one of the most ambitious educational projects, combining deep academic traditions with modern design solutions.

To fully experience the exhibition, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This time is usually sufficient to explore all six permanent halls, test the interactive installations, and observe the optical experiments. If you plan to visit a temporary exhibition or participate in one of the workshops, your stay may be longer.

For families with children or those deeply interested in physics and art, a visit can last up to 3 hours. The interactive nature of the museum encourages long explorations, while modern relaxation areas allow you to take a break between studying different sections of the exhibition.

The museum welcomes guests from Tuesday to Sunday. Please note the afternoon break: the exhibition is usually available for viewing from 09:00 to 13:00 and in the evening from 16:00 to 20:00. Monday is the official day off.

As the schedule may change depending on holidays or special events, we recommend checking the current opening hours on the museum's official website before your visit.

Exploring the museum's surroundings will allow you to get a more complete impression of city life. The area around La Plancha Park is actively developing, offering tourists a mix of active recreation zones, green squares, and entertainment venues.

A visit to the museum can easily be combined with a walk to nearby sports complexes or family centers located within a few kilometers. Below are some interesting locations nearby: