Named for Soumaya
The museum is named after Soumaya Domit, Carlos Slim's wife, who died in 1999. Its architect, Fernando Romero, is Slim's son-in-law.
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Museo Soumaya: the history, and 16,000 silver hexagons
Carlos Slim named this shimmering museum after his late wife and made it free for everyone. Here's what you're looking at in Nuevo Polanco, and what to listen for when you get there.
Opened2011
ArchitectFernando Romero
Facade≈ 16,000 hexagons
Collection66,000+ works
Hear the Museo Soumaya story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Rodin under the skylight
The top floor, open and lit from above, holds one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin's sculpture outside France, including a version of The Thinker.
3
Mexico's only Van Goghs
Among its European paintings are the only works by Vincent van Gogh in Mexico, next to Rivera, Orozco, Siqueiros and Tamayo.
TipTake the elevator straight to the top floor for Rodin, then walk down the curving ramps through the collection. With Urban Tales running, the museum's story plays as you reach Plaza Carso.
Nearby landmarks
Museo Soumaya: common questions
Is Museo Soumaya free?
Yes, entry is free.
What is Museo Soumaya famous for?
Its facade of about 16,000 aluminum hexagons and a collection with Rodin sculptures and Mexico's only Van Gogh works.
Who designed Museo Soumaya?
Mexican architect Fernando Romero; it opened in 2011.