Chopo University Museum (Museo Universitario del Chopo)
A famed site of Mexican counterculture, the art deco Chopo University Museum (Museo Universitario del Chopo) is now dedicated to preserving the memory of underground cultures and movements. Known for its German–designed, iron-and-glass facade, 154-foot-high (47-meter-high) towers, and pine wood roof, El Chopo—as it’s known locally—is a must for fans of off-the-beaten-path attractions and experiences.
The Basics
El Chopo is part of the UNAM family of museums, run and managed by the university. Since reopening in 1975, the museum has undergone many overhauls, including the additions of an on-site cinema and exhibition halls. There, highlights include regularly rotated temporary modern art and culture exhibits by young (and often marginalized) artists, as well as concerts and film screenings. Visit independently or pass by on a walking tour of the surrounding neighborhood.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Museo Universitario del Chopo used to host the Tianguis Cultural del Chopo; nowadays, the tianguis (flea market) is held near the Buenavista metro station.
There’s an on-site cinema and store at El Chopo.
A small admission fee is required to enter, except on Wednesdays when it’s free to access for all.
Students with valid Mexican university ID always enter for a reduced fee.
The Museo Universitario del Chopo is accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Situated in the Santa María la Ribera neighborhood of Mexico City, the Museo Universitario del Chopo is easy to reach via public transportation. The closest Metrobus station is Revolución; the closest Metro station is also Revolución. Both are a 5- to 10-minute walk from the museum. Parking nearby may not be easy to find, so if you’d rather arrive by private vehicle opt for a rideshare.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
El Chopo is open Wednesday through Sunday, typically from the mid-morning until the late afternoon or early evening. The museum is always closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as some national holidays, Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year’s Day (January 1). Hours and admission fees for the on-site cinema may vary.
Tianguis Cultural del Chopo
El Chopo Museum was once the site of the city’s famed Tianguis Cultural del Chopo (Chopo Flea Markets), a space for counterculture products and swaps. While originally a hippie marketplace, it’s now better known for its metal, ska, punk, anarchist, and goth cohort and is held every Saturday outside the Buenavista Metro Station.
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