Mexico City’s vibrant cultural scene is set to experience significant changes in 2026, as several prominent museums and archaeological sites under the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have announced increased entry fees. These adjustments, effective from January 1, 2026, will impact both domestic and international visitors.
New Pricing Structure for Cultural Sites
The new pricing system categorizes sites into four tiers, with varying charges. The aim is to generate resources for the maintenance, conservation, and restoration of the country’s rich cultural heritage. However, the move has sparked debate among experts and the public, with concerns that higher prices might deter visitors.
Category I: Major Attractions See Significant Jumps
Leading the list of affected institutions is the iconic National Museum of Anthropology, which falls under Category I. Foreign visitors will now pay 209.09 Mexican pesos, while nationals and residents with valid identification will be charged 104.50 pesos. Other Category I sites, such as the National Museum of History ‘Chapultepec Castle’, will also see similar increases, with foreign visitors paying 156.75 pesos and nationals/residents 104.50 pesos.
Category II and III: Notable Increases Across the Board
The Museo de El Carmen, a Category II site located in the south of Mexico City, will now cost foreign visitors 156.75 pesos, and nationals/residents 70.53 pesos. The National Museum of World Cultures, a Category III site, will have a general admission of 143.79 pesos, with Mexican citizens paying 64.70 pesos with identification.
Templo Mayor and New Category for Tren Maya Sites
The Templo Mayor Museum, an archaeological zone adjacent to the Zócalo, will now charge 156.75 pesos for foreign tourists and 86.21 pesos for nationals. A new Category IV has been introduced for sites near the Tren Maya, including Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Dzibilchaltún, and the Museum of the Mayan People, where entry for both nationals and foreigners will be 104.50 pesos, with no discounts applied.
After-Hours Visits See Substantial Price Hike
A notable change is the significant increase for after-hours visits to archaeological zones, which will jump from 355 pesos to 732 pesos. This represents a substantial rise for those wishing to experience these sites outside regular operating hours.
INBAL Museums Maintain Current Prices
It is important to note that museums under the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL), such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the National Museum of Art (MUNAL), are not included in these modifications and will maintain their current entry fees.
Debate Over Accessibility and Funding
While the government emphasizes that the increased revenue will be allocated to the preservation of cultural heritage, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on accessibility for families and local visitors with limited budgets. The National Museum of Anthropology alone received over 3.7 million visitors in 2024, with a high percentage of national tourists. The new tariffs could alter the dynamics of cultural access, potentially limiting experiences to those with greater economic capacity.
As these changes take effect, the cultural landscape of Mexico City will undoubtedly adapt, balancing the need for funding with the desire to keep its rich history and art accessible to all.
Source: [reporteindigo.com](https://www.reporteindigo.com/entretenimiento/cultura-en-cdmx-cuales-son-los-museos-que-aumentaron-su-precio-de-entrada-en-2026-20260105-0052.html), [eleconomista.com.mx](https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/finanzaspersonales/cuanto-subir-entradas-museo-nacional-antropologia-zonas-arqueologicas-2026-20251015-781879.html), [eluniversal.com.mx](https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/cultura/subiran-precios-en-museos-y-zonas-arqueologicas-del-inah-extranjeros-pagaran-mas/), [informador.mx](https://www.informador.mx/economia/Costara-mas-visitar-museos-y-zonas-arqueologicas-en-2026-20251017-0086.html), [grupohoymexico.com](https://grupohoymexico.com/2025/09/11/inb-anuncia-aumento-de-precios-en-museos-y-zonas-arqueologicas-para-2026-cuanto-costara/)
