Casa Na Bolom

In the heart of the picturesque city of San Cristóbal de las Casas is Casa Na Bolom—a unique space that combines a museum, a cultural center, and a research library. Located in an elegant 19th-century colonial mansion, this site is a true guardian of the heritage of the Maya peoples living in the state of Chiapas, Mexico.

Also known as the "House of the Jaguar," the estate was once home to researchers Frans Blom and Gertrude Duby Blom. Today, it showcases rich ethnographic collections, archival photographs, and artifacts from the Tzotzil and Tzeltal tribes. Visitors appreciate this place for its authenticity: it has retained the features of a lived-in home, where every piece of furniture tells its own story.

With a 4.5 rating based on thousands of reviews, Casa Na Bolom is deservedly among the city's most visited attractions. It is not just a museum, but a living monument to scientific dedication and the protection of the cultural diversity of indigenous peoples, surrounded by shady galleries and a cozy courtyard.

For information regarding special exhibitions or to book group tours, you can contact the cultural center's administration directly. The museum office is located in the historic building, and staff members are always ready to help visitors navigate the event schedule.

Below are the primary contact details for Casa Na Bolom for inquiries and navigation:

The main reason to visit Casa Na Bolom is for a deep dive into the world of the indigenous peoples of Chiapas. You can explore the ethnographic halls in detail, featuring traditional textiles, intricate embroidery patterns, and everyday items used for centuries by Maya descendants. Every room in the mansion is filled with the founders' personal belongings, creating a sense of being in living history.

Be sure to stop by the center's library, which houses rare publications and documents on the anthropology and history of the region. A walk through the shady inner courtyard and garden allows you to enjoy the tranquility and see plants characteristic of this mountainous terrain. You can often find researchers and artists here, inspired by the house's atmosphere.

For those who want to take a piece of local culture home, the museum has a shop selling handmade items by local artisans. Occasionally, temporary exhibitions of contemporary art or weaving workshops are held here, allowing you to see the process of creating traditional Mexican textiles firsthand.

The wonderful Casa Na Bolom museum is located in the northern part of the city at Av. Vicente Guerrero 33, in the colorful Barrio del Cerrillo neighborhood. Thanks to the compact nature of the historic center, a walk from the main square, the Zócalo, takes only 10–15 minutes. The route goes through cozy cobblestone streets, allowing you to fully experience the atmosphere of old Mexico.

If you prefer comfort, you can use a local taxi or catch a colectivo (shared taxi)—drivers know "Na Bolom" very well and will take you right to the mansion's doors. For self-navigation, it is convenient to use the GPS coordinates: 16.7416471, -92.629954.

Travelers arriving in the region via Tuxtla Gutiérrez Airport (TGZ) usually first reach the city by comfortable bus or taxi, which takes about 1.5 hours. Once in the city, it's just a short car ride to the entrance of this cultural oasis. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestones here require careful walking.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the names of a remarkable pair of researchers—Danish archaeologist Frans Blom and Swiss photographer and activist Gertrude Duby Blom. In the mid-20th century, they purchased this colonial mansion to turn it into a headquarters for their expeditions into the Lacandon Jungle and a support center for indigenous peoples.

The name "Na Bolom" carries a deep meaning: in the Lacandon Maya language, it translates to "House of the Jaguar." This is not only a play on words, sounding similar to the founders' surname (Blom), but also a tribute to the sacred animal symbolizing strength and protection in Maya culture. For decades, the house served as a shelter for indigenous people visiting the city and a scientific base for studying ancient traditions.

The founders dedicated their lives to documenting the vanishing way of life of the Tzotzil and Tzeltal tribes. After their passing, Casa Na Bolom continued as a non-profit association, preserving the spirit of a "living home." Today, it is not just a museum but a vital link in preserving the ecological and cultural heritage of the state of Chiapas, serving as a reminder of the importance of respecting one's roots.

To explore all the museum's halls without rushing, see the ethnographic collection, and stroll through the courtyard, it is recommended to set aside about 1.5–2 hours. If you plan to visit the library or linger in the garden, your visit might take a bit longer.

A visit is often combined with lunch or a walk around the neighborhood, so planning for two hours within your itinerary is optimal. This is plenty of time to experience the unique atmosphere of the "House of the Jaguar" and take memorable photos.

The Casa Na Bolom museum is open to visitors daily, making it a convenient stop on any travel schedule. You can plan your visit anytime from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM; the center's doors are open every day of the week.

This consistent schedule allows city guests to visit the exhibits in the morning or later in the evening when the soft light in the colonial courtyard creates a particularly cozy atmosphere for photos.

A walk around Casa Na Bolom allows for a deeper immersion into the city's daily life and cultural diversity. The El Cerrillo neighborhood, where the museum is located, is famous for its traditions and proximity to other interesting sites that will help you gain a complete picture of the region's colonial charm.

You can continue your journey by visiting nearby aquariums and sports centers or by taking a stroll along the famous pedestrian tourist streets located just a few minutes' walk away.