Museo Toma de Zacatecas

The Museum of the Taking of Zacatecas is an impressive military history complex perched above the city on the legendary Cerro de la Bufa hill. It is a place of power where the history of the great revolution that Mexico underwent in the early 20th century comes to life. The museum is dedicated to a turning point in the struggle for freedom and justice—the famous battle of 1914.

Founded in 1984 and fully renovated for its 30th anniversary, the museum offers visitors to the city of Zacatecas a unique blend of authentic artifacts and modern technology. Here, you can see heavy artillery, vintage photographs, and personal items of the fighters, while interactive displays and augmented reality make the immersion into the past truly captivating.

The museum is considered one of the finest historical institutions in the country due to its rich collection and picturesque location. It doesn't just tell the story of a battle; it also reveals the daily lives of ordinary people of that time, making history understandable and relatable to every visitor.

To check current information on special exhibitions or to organize group tours, you can use the contact details provided below. It is recommended to check the opening hours before your visit, especially on public holidays.

Below is the main contact information for the museum administration:

Inside the museum's halls, you can immerse yourself in ten thematic exhibitions. Here, you can examine detailed examples of heavy artillery, cannons, and machine guns from the turn of the last century, as well as study oil paintings and rare archival documents. Special attention should be paid to the section featuring photographs and personal belongings of soldiers, which allow you to feel the spirit of the era and see the faces of the heroes of the revolution.

Be sure to take advantage of the interactive installations and projections. Thanks to the implementation of augmented reality, key moments of the Taking of Zacatecas literally unfold before your eyes, making history feel alive and dynamic. This is an excellent way to connect with the past, even for those who usually find historical museums a bit too formal.

After exploring the indoor galleries, it is highly recommended to step out onto the hill's observation deck. Combine your cultural program with aesthetic pleasure: the bird's-eye panoramic views of Zacatecas provide a wonderful conclusion to the tour. Many tourists also pair their visit with a ride on the famous teleférico—the cable car connecting the hill with the city center.

The museum is conveniently located at the summit of Cerro de la Bufa. The most popular and scenic way to get here is by using the famous Zacatecas Teleférico cable car. The gondolas will take you from the city center directly to the museum complex, offering breathtaking views of the historic cityscape along the way.

If you prefer ground transport, a taxi from the city center takes only 10–15 minutes. Public buses also run toward the hill, although it is worth noting that a short uphill walk may be required from the nearest stops.

For those who enjoy active walks, it is possible to climb the hill on foot via winding paths. The ascent from the city center takes about 30–40 minutes and requires a certain level of physical fitness due to the steep terrain, but it rewards you with excellent photo opportunities.

The museum's exhibition is dedicated to one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles Mexico experienced during its revolution—the Taking of Zacatecas in 1914. This victory by the rebels led by Pancho Villa effectively marked the collapse of Victoriano Huerta's regime and led to the dissolution of the old federal army.

Interestingly, many of the museum's exhibits are authentic artifacts found directly on the battlefields surrounding the Cerro de la Bufa and Cerro del Grillo hills. These heights held key strategic importance, as Zacatecas was always a major hub on the Camino Real (Royal Road) and a center for silver mining.

The museum itself was inaugurated in 1984 and underwent an extensive renovation for the centenary of the battle in 2014. The updated space combines classic military relics with modern technology, preserving the atmosphere of the era when the city was the epicenter of the struggle for the country's future.

A standard tour of the museum's ten halls and its main multimedia displays usually takes one and a half to two hours. This timeframe allows you to examine the details of military uniforms, archival photographs, and revolutionary documents without rushing.

If you plan to combine your museum visit with a walk around Cerro de la Bufa itself, visiting the observation decks, and taking a ride on the cable car, it is better to set aside about half a day for the entire experience. This will give you the opportunity to fully enjoy the panoramic views and the atmosphere of this iconic location.

The Museum of the Taking of Zacatecas welcomes visitors daily, making it easy to include in your travel plans any day of the week. The complex's official working hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The schedule remains consistent from Monday to Sunday; however, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure you have enough time to explore all the halls and enjoy the views from the hill before the complex closes.

Cerro de la Bufa, where the museum is located, is just one part of the region's rich historical heritage. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to delve deeper into the city's colonial spirit and see its architectural diversity.

In the immediate vicinity of the museum and within walking distance in the city center, you will find the following points of interest: