Cuitlahuac Regional Community Museum

The Cuitlahuac Regional Community Museum opened only in 2002. It was named for Cuitlahuac, a Mexica tlatoani or ruler who died from smallpox during the war with the Spanish. The name derives from the place name “Tláhuac.”

The museum collection includes multiple pre-hispanic and colonial pieces. They range from archaeological finds, to pottery, weapons, items for daily life, and photographs. Together, they make up a record of many centuries of life in Tláhuac.

Exhibitions are divided into three sections:

• The Pre-classical which includes clay pieces and stone pieces, jade and projectile points. These are from as far away as Teotihuacan. But they also include works from the Toltec, Chalca, Olmecan-Xicalanca, Chichimeca and Mexica cultures
• The Colonial Period, including candelabras, vessels, and photographs of objects from near the known temple sites
• Contemporary Customs and Traditions – especially as they related to the previous periods    

The community managed museum holds some 500 cataloged artifacts. Among the most prominent are five ceremonial vessels. Figures represent Tláloc (god of rain), Xolonen (goddess of corn), Chicomecóatl and Tonacacíhuatl (female and male gods of sustenance). All of them were excavated nearby. 

Their discovery within the San Pedro Tláhuac area led to further excavations. The community worked with some independent researchers and the INAH to guard and preserve these priceless aspects of Tláhuac’s history and culture.  Visits are often combined with a trip to other area museums, among them the Tláhuac Regional Museum and the Tomas Medina Villarruel Museum in San Juan Ixtayopan. 

• For weekday visits, guests should call between 3 and 7 p.m. to reserve a visit. The doors are open on weekends.