Museo Rafael Coronel

Top choice in Zacatecas


The excellent Museo Rafael Coronel is not to be missed. Imaginatively housed in the ruins of the lovely 16th-century Ex-Convento de San Francisco, it houses Mexican folk art collected by Zacatecan artist Rafael Coronel, brother of Pedro Coronel and son-in-law of Diego Rivera. Take your time to wander through the various spaces by following the arrows. The collection of masks is truly incredible, as are collections of totems, pottery, puppets and other fascinating objects. All labeling is in Spanish only.

After you've admired the treasures within, relax among the trees and (slightly disturbing!) statues and sculptures in the surrounding gardens.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Zacatecas attractions

2. Cerro de la Bufa

0.32 MILES

The most appealing of the many explanations for the name of the hill that dominates Zacatecas is that bufa is an old Basque word for wineskin, which is…

3. Capilla de la Virgen del Patrocinio

0.36 MILES

Named after the patron saint of miners, this 18th-century chapel has a holy image of the Virgen del Patrocinio above its altar that is said to be capable…

4. Museo Toma de Zacatecas

0.39 MILES

This museum memorializes the 1914 battle fought on the slopes of the Cerro de la Bufa in which the revolutionary División del Norte, led by Pancho Villa…

5. Mina El Edén

0.42 MILES

Visiting one of Mexico's richest mines (1586−1960s) provides an insight into a source of wealth and the terrible price paid for it. Digging for hoards of…

6. Plaza de Armas

0.43 MILES

The city's main plaza is north of the cathedral and although normally quiet in the day it buzzes at night with families promenading, children playing and…

7. Palacio de Gobierno

0.43 MILES

Palacio de Gobierno on the plaza's east side was built in the 18th century for a colonial family. In the turret of its main staircase is a mural of the…

8. Templo de Santo Domingo

0.43 MILES

With a bubbly stone facade, the tarnished pink Templo de Santo Domingo, in a plazuela of the same name, is in a baroque style, with fine gilded altars and…