Museo de la Katrina y de las muñecas

In the heart of the historic center of Saltillo lies a unique cultural space celebrating one of the most vibrant traditions Mexico is proud of. The La Katrina and Doll Museum is not just an exhibition gallery, but a true ode to Mexican folklore, housed within the walls of a majestic century-old mansion.

The exhibition includes more than 60 detailed Katrina figures, masterfully crafted using the traditional papier-mâché technique. Founded by the Morales Fuentes family in 2009, the museum serves as an important educational center, telling the story of the deep philosophical relationship Mexicans have with life and death through the image created by José Guadalupe Posada.

The special feature of this place lies in its duality: while by day it is an informative museum with educational tours, at dusk it transforms into a mysterious venue. Thanks to special effects and live acting, ancient city legends come to life here, creating a mystical atmosphere and allowing guests to see the region's history in a new light.

Before visiting the exhibition, we recommend checking the museum's current contact information. You can contact the administration to clarify details about night shows or group tours via the provided phone number or through the official social media page.

A visit to the museum turns into an exciting journey through the centuries, where every exhibit tells its own story. Visitors can study the evolution of the Katrina image in detail and learn about the Mexican cult of death. The halls display not only dolls but also authentic early 20th-century accessories: luxurious hats, elegant jewelry, and antique cameos that allow you to feel the atmosphere of a bygone era.

One of the most unusual sections of the exhibition features archival documents. Here, you can see authentic death certificates from civil registries of past centuries, where causes of death were seriously listed as "evil eye," "witchcraft," or "extreme fright." The oldest obituaries from 1888, printed on fabric—a rare tradition of that time—also spark great interest.

For those seeking a deeper experience, a "Night of Legends" session is a must. In the flickering torchlight and dimmed lighting, actors perform mystical scenes from the city's past. Listening to stories about the arrival of Saltillo’s founder, Alberto del Canto, and the origins of local names, museum guests are literally transported centuries back in time.

Located at Calle Ignacio Allende 720 A, this cultural center is situated in the very heart of the historic part of the city of Saltillo. Finding it is quite easy, as the building is within walking distance of the main squares and cathedrals of the central district. A stroll through the colorful streets of the old town is a pleasant addition to the museum visit itself.

If you are traveling from outlying areas, it is most convenient to use taxi services or mobile ride-hailing apps. The city transport network also allows you to reach the center by bus, as most routes pass through major transport hubs near the museum.

For travelers arriving from other regions, it is important to know that Saltillo is served by its own airport. From the airport terminal, you can reach the historic center by transfer or rental car in about 20–30 minutes, following the main city highways leading to the central district.

The history of this amazing place began with the Morales Fuentes family's personal desire to decorate their home altar for the Day of the Dead. When Erick Morales' wife couldn't find a suitable Katrina figure, he decided to make one himself using his skills in working with papier-mâché. What started as a private initiative soon grew into a large-scale cultural project, and in 2009, they opened a full-fledged museum in their family's century-old mansion (casona).

Over the years, the museum has become a true cultural phenomenon in the region. More than 10,000 theatrical performances have been held here, including the famous night tours and themed sleepovers. This place quickly won the love of both locals and tourists, becoming one of the most visited sites in the historic center.

The project's development didn't stop with one theme: in 2014, the family opened a second wing—the Doll Museum. Its collection is impressive in scale, numbering more than 5,000 pieces. This assembly allows visitors to trace the history of Mexico through toys—from the pre-Columbian era to the times of the Revolution—making the museum complex a unique educational resource.

To leisurely explore all the halls and delve into the details of the rich exhibition, a typical visitor will need about 1.5–2 hours. This is quite enough for a daytime visit, during which you can carefully examine the dolls, historical documents, and unique jewelry.

If you decide to attend the "Night of Legends" evening show, you should set aside at least 2–3 hours for your visit. The program includes not only a tour of the museum but also a full theatrical performance, which requires emotional immersion and cannot be rushed.

The museum hospitably opens its doors to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, operating from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please note that Monday and Tuesday are closed, so plan your trip in advance to ensure your visit coincides with the opening hours.

During school holidays and festive dates, the schedule may become more flexible—on such days, the museum often operates daily and even extends visiting hours until 7:00 PM. This gives even more guests the opportunity to experience unique Mexican traditions.

Exploring the surroundings of the museum will allow you to immerse yourself even deeper into the atmosphere of the state of Coahuila and discover new facets of Mexican culture. Nearby are many interesting locations, from historical fortifications to modern entertainment parks, which will perfectly complement your travel itinerary.