The Palace of Hernan Cortez in Cuernavaca is a historic residence that now houses the Museo Regional de los Pueblos de Morelos. You can see archaeological and historical collections across the building, with galleries that follow Morelos and Mexico through different periods.
- Location: Francisco Leyva No. 100, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca.
- What it is: A palace and regional museum, also called the Museo Regional Cuauhnáhuac.
- Regular hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00–18:00; check the official site before you go.
- Admission: Published general prices differ, ranging from MXN 100 to MXN 105; some visitors enter free.
A short history of the palace
The Palace of Cortés began as Hernán Cortés’s residence and the official seat of the Marquesado del Valle de Oaxaca. INAH dates the start of construction to 1531, with the principal construction stage completed in 1535.
The palace stands on the site of a former Tlahuica settlement and tribute center. Over time, the building also served as a prison and as the seat of the state government. It became a museum on February 2, 1974.
What can you see inside the Palace of Cortés?
The Museo Regional de los Pueblos de Morelos presents the region’s history through collections of paleontological, archaeological, historical and artistic objects.
Start on the ground floor, where the galleries cover pre-Hispanic history, including Chalcatzingo, Teotihuacan, Xochicalco, Tepoztlán and the Tlahuica lordships. Upstairs, the exhibits follow Morelos and Mexico from the Spanish Conquest through the colonial period, Independence, the Porfiriato and the Revolution.
On the east terrace, Diego Rivera’s mural triptych Historia del estado de Morelos, Conquista y Revolución depicts the state’s history. The museum offers guided visits, a cloakroom, bookstore, shop and restrooms among its visitor services.
How do you find the palace in central Cuernavaca?
The palace is in Cuernavaca’s central historic area, and its public entrance is through Jardín Juárez. Its address is Francisco Leyva No. 100, Colonia Centro, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62000.
INAH’s driving directions approach via the Cathedral and then Hidalgo Street. For a broader sense of the area and its streets, use this walking guide to Cuernavaca Centro.
What are the museum’s hours, admission and visitor rules?
The regular opening pattern is Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00–18:00; Monday has no published regular opening hours. INAH gives admission as MXN 105 for Mexican visitors and MXN 210 for foreign visitors, while a Secretaría de Cultura listing gives general admission as MXN 100.
Both listings describe free Sunday admission. Free admission is also available to children under 13, students, teachers and older adults; the Secretaría de Cultura listing says eligible visitors must show valid official identification. Hours and prices can change, so check the official site before you go.
Museum rules prohibit smoking, food, pets and flash photography. Professional cameras carry a fee.
What can you pair with a visit to the palace?
The palace is about a seven-minute walk from Hotel Juarez, which offers rooms in Cuernavaca.
Jardín Juárez is a natural point to include in your visit, since the museum entrance opens through the garden.
The palace also fits into a walk around central Cuernavaca, where the Museo Robert Brady is another museum to consider. Its collections and setting are covered in this guide to Museo Robert Brady in Cuernavaca.
FAQs
What is the Palace of Cortés called as a museum?
It houses the Museo Regional de los Pueblos de Morelos, also known as the Museo Regional Cuauhnáhuac.
When is the museum open?
Its regular hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00–18:00. Monday has no published regular opening hours.
Is admission free on Sunday?
The museum listings describe free Sunday admission. Children under 13, students, teachers and older adults are also eligible for free entry; some visitors may need valid identification.