National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Opened in 1968, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is one of the best of its kind. A gigantic statue of the water god Tláloc, weighing approximately 200 tons, is poised near the entrance. Archaeological finds are exhibited throughout 11 halls depicting the different American cultures that flourished in this region of Mesoamerica. Ranging from the prehistoric until the Mexican period, the civilizations highlighted include the Golfo, Teotihuacan, Maya, and Tolteca. The cafeteria is worthwhile and musicians often give performances here using replicas of prehistoric instruments.