House Museum Quinta Montes Molina
Once a place of prosperity for the henequen business—a plant used to make a coarse, thick cloth for ropes, bags, and other things—at one point, Merida was home to millionaires who built enormous mansions for themselves. Nowadays, these buildings are used for different purposes, from businesses like banks and coffee shops to housing museums. One such place is House Museum Quinta Montes Molina, a mansion open to the public where you can see how the Merida rich lived at the turn of the 20th century and the following decades.
Where is the House Museum Quinta Montes Molina?
The House Museum Quinta Montes Molina is located a little far from the Riviera Maya or Tulum, on Paseo de Montejo, one of Merida’s main avenues. Inspired by the Parisian Champs Elysees, this road is notorious for its large mansions and other buildings from the turn of the 20th century and 30s.
The House Museum Quinta Montes Molina is located between two roundabouts, each housing a monument: to Justo Sierra Mendez, to the north; and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, to the south.
It is a window into the past
Almost the whole house is open to visitors. Still decorated with its original furniture—impeccably maintained—it is a real window to the past. Visitors are welcome to see the rooms and displayed accessories (like plates and silverware) and learn their history and purpose from the information charts.
The view changes quite a bit downstairs, where the cellars and other service rooms are; and where the kitchen still is. Astonishingly, it’s still active, as the House Museum Quinta Montes Molina is still occupied by members of the family from time to time.
It has guided tours
The entrance ticket to The House Museum Quinta Montes Molina is around USD 4.50, but, for a little extra—USD 5—, you’ll get a guided tour. A guide will take you around the property while they explain, not only what the different rooms were used for, but how the house has been altered over the years. They know their stuff well and are sure to make your visit even more interesting.
