Quinta Montes Molina

Paseo de Montejo Nº 469 entre 33 y 35 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, México

Hours

Open daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Restaurant hours vary)

Ask about dates for Museum Nights

Cost

Here are the costs associated with visiting Quinta Montes Molina:

Guided Tour: 200 pesos
General Admission: 120 pesos
Children: 70 pesos

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

+52 (999) 258 9629

Visit Website

About

One landmark to add to your Merida vacation itinerary is Quinta Montes Molina along the Paseo Montejo. The remarkable building serves as a home, museum, and restaurant.

In the 20th century, many Yucatan businessmen made a fortune in the henequen business, known as "green gold." Don Avelino Montes y Dólera was one such man who built a mansion in 1902 as his family residence. He named it "Villa Beatriz" after his first-born daughter, whose name is still visible on the glass window above the front door. Today, it is known as Quinta Montes Molina.

The mansion's European-inspired architecture, with its preserved facade and sprawling greenery, is a sight to behold. The interior is filled with vintage furniture, crystal chandeliers, and intricate details of a bygone era. Each room offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the families that lived here, providing visitors with an authentic historical experience.

The Molina family acquired the mansion in 1919, and a niece, María Eugenia Molina Montes, inherited it in 1983 and is the current resident. It wasn't until 2006 that the idea of the home opening its doors as a museum became a reality.

Along with special events and an on-site restaurant, visiting Quinta Montes Molina will highlight your vacation in Merida. After visiting Quinta Montes Molina, be sure to continue along the extravagant Paseo Montejo to the awe-inspiring Monumento a la Patria.

Quinta Montes Molina: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Quinta Montes Molina is a treasure trove of antique furniture, stunning artwork, and stylish furniture. A cool feature is the original 1902 elevator that still operates today, allowing visitors to experience early 20th-century technology firsthand.

Another fascinating aspect is the mansion's extensive collection of art and antiques. Each piece has been in the family for decades, which adds a personal touch to one's visit. From exquisite oil paintings of the original family members to delicate sculptures, the art collection is worth the visit.

The floor is another standout of the Quinta Montes Molina. While not the highest quality, the Carrara marble nonetheless showcases the wealth experienced by businessmen during the "green gold" era. This marble is also found in the library, piano, and dining rooms.

After touring Quinta Montes Molina, stop in at Avelino & Maria restaurant located in the mansion. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and appetizers. If you prefer something different, the Italian restaurant Eureka just off Paseo Montejo is a great nearby option.

Visiting Quinta Montes Molina offers an opportunity to explore a 20th-century mansion firsthand and better comprehend how the henequen industry shaped the landscape and families in Yucatan. The mansion's historical significance and beauty blend make it an essential stop on any Merida itinerary.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Quinta Montes Molina from Merida:

Start on Calle 60, heading north.
Turn right onto Avenida Colon.
Continue straight for approximately 1 kilometer.
Turn left onto Paseo de Montejo.
Make a slight right to stay on Paseo de Montejo.
Quinta Montes Molina will be on your right.
Address: Paseo de Montejo 469, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico

Local Tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Explore the gift shop for souvenirs!
Consider taking a guided tour to enrich your experience with historical insights.
Check for any special events or exhibitions happening during your visit.
Adequate parking is available but can fill up fast during peak hours.

Location

Paseo de Montejo Nº 469 entre 33 y 35 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, México

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good way to spend a day in Merida, Mexico?

Start the day off with authentic Yucatecan cuisine at La Chaya Maya in the center of Mérida. Wake your senses with their huevos con chaya dish, highlighting the endemic chaya plant of the Yucatan. Try the cochinita pibil, salbutes or panuchos for a true culinary experience. Be sure to get an early start to visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá. The impressive archaeological site is one of the most important and most visited in Mexico. This will immerse you in the history of the Mayan civilization. Try to arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat.

After exploring Chichén Itzá, visit a nearby restaurant such as La Tía Polóc to further your culinary journey with handmade tortillas and traditional pork poc chuc. After lunch, visit a nearby cenote to cool off and relax. Cenotes, strewn about the Yucatan Peninsula, are natural underground water reservoirs, each offering an absolutely magical experience. There are severl cenotes in the area, so choose one that suits your preferences, whether for swimming, snorkeling or simply to enjoy the natural beauty.

Once you’ve explored pyramids and cenotes, return to Mérida to spend the afternoon exploring the city. Stroll through the historic center, visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, or wander along the Paseo de Montejo and admire the colonial architecture. Don’t miss the light and sound show in the Plaza Grande, offering a fascinating view of the city’s history! Top the evening off by treating yourself to the signature cuisine at Kuuk. The renowned fusion restaurant offers tasting menus that change regularly to highlight the best of the season.

What are the biggest main events in Merida, Mexico?

Fiesta is a way of life in Mexico, and Mérida is no exception! Festive celebrations in Mérida highlight Mayan Culture, the musical genre of Yucateca trova, as well as traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), folk art fairs, and colorful Carnival parades, y más! Each night in Mérida’s Plaza Grande is a fiesta of its own, as music and dance fill the iconic square to the delight of vacationers and residents.

Among the many celebrations in and around Mérida, each Fall provides the opportunity to delight in culture and art at the International Festival of Mayan Culture (FICMaya). This festival offers a wide range of cultural events, including music, dance, theater, conferences, exhibitions and more, all focused on the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization. Fall is also marked by Mexico’s traditional Day of the Dead (Nov 1st and 2nd), celebrated in Mérida with parades of catrinas, impressive altars, musical performances, and a series of cultural activities.

Paying further homage to the rhythmic vibe and sounds of the Yucatan, the Festival de la Trova Yucateca in December showcases this traditional musical genre of the region. Concerts, contests, workshops, and more all focus on music and troubadour poetry. Visitors in November and December will also be amazed at the X’matkuil Fair on the outskirts of Mérida. In the spirit of any fair, there are mechanical rides, food exhibits, a variety of handicrafts, and rich gastronomy.

In February, the Carnival of Mérida is one of the largest and most colorful in Mexico! It includes parades, live music, dances, costume contests, and a festive atmosphere that attracts people from everywhere!

Whenever your vacation getaway brings you to Mérida, there’s always something to celebrate with a fiesta!