Palacio Nacional de Mexico

The Palacio Nacional (National Palace) anchors the eastern side of Mexico City's vast main square, the Zócalo, and is the seat of the Mexican government, but for visitors its great draw is Diego Rivera's epic murals. Across the main staircase and the upper-floor corridors, Rivera painted a sweeping, monumental history of Mexico, from pre-Hispanic civilisations through the Conquest, colonial era, independence, and revolution, in vivid, crowded, politically charged scenes that are among the masterpieces of 20th-century art.

The building itself, built on the site of Moctezuma's palace and later the viceregal palace, is grand, with arcaded courtyards and gardens. Entry is free (bring ID), making the Rivera murals one of the great free cultural experiences in the city. It's right on the Zócalo, alongside the Cathedral and the Templo Mayor ruins.

Don't miss

• Diego Rivera's monumental History of Mexico murals
• The grand staircase mural and upper-corridor panels
• Arcaded colonial courtyards and gardens
• Its site over Moctezuma's former palace
• Free entry, right on the Zócalo

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Palacio Nacional de Mexico

Cheapest way inWalking Tour of the Historic Center of Mexico City4.8★ · 1,093 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$28 per personSee dates →Most bookedTeotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City5★ · 2,067 travelers1–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$140 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleMexico City Downtown Centro private tour+ Palacio de Bellas Artes5★ · 14 travelers4–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$111 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Bring your passport/photo ID, it's required for the security check to enter.
• The Diego Rivera murals are the highlight, head for the main staircase and upper corridor.
• Entry is free, but access can be limited by government use, check it's open.
• Combine it with the Cathedral and Templo Mayor on the same Zócalo.

A bit of history

The palace stands on the site of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II's palace; after the Conquest, Hernán Cortés built here, and it became the seat of the Spanish viceroys and later independent Mexico's government. Diego Rivera painted his monumental murals on the history of Mexico between 1929 and the 1950s.