A New Cultural Experience in Mexico City’s Historic Center
The Museo del Cacao y Chocolate has recently opened its doors in the heart of Mexico City’s Historic Center, located at República de Guatemala 24. This new attraction complements the visits of both locals and tourists, offering an immersive and multisensory journey that celebrates the rich history, culture, and gastronomy of cacao.
A Unique Location with Historical Significance
This is the fourth Mexican location for Choco Story, a global network known for its non-traditional and interactive approach. What makes this particular venue special is the meticulously restored colonial building, which took over 12 years in collaboration with the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH). During the restoration, significant archaeological discoveries were made, including a section of the Huei Tzompantli de Tenochtitlan, highlighting the deep connection of the site to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history. The museum will also feature a space to visit this discovery.
Agustín Otegui Saiz and the Importance of Location
Agustín Otegui Saiz, a museum director, explained to El Economista that the location was not chosen by chance. “The idea was for this museum, celebrating cacao’s immense value to the Mexicas, to be situated in Tenochtitlan’s heart. It’s a must-visit for tourists, following the Museo de Antropología, Museo del Templo Mayor, and nearby attractions,” Otegui stated.
Interactive and Educational Experience
The museum is designed to make visitors the protagonists of their journey. The curation, developed with Belgian partners from Choco Story, incorporates three key elements:
- Historical and Cultural: Display of artifacts, tools, and data that narrate the origin and evolution of cacao.
- Immersive: Recreations such as a Spanish ship or temple, transporting visitors to pivotal moments in chocolate’s history.
- Interactive: Games, audio guides in five languages, and chocolatero demonstrations for dynamic and engaging learning.
One of the standout activities is the chocolate workshop, where visitors aged five and above can create their own bars and personalize them. “This is a unique experience as visitors take home their creations, making for a delightful souvenir from the museum visit,” Otegui commented.
Mexico’s Historical Significance in the Cacao World
Although recent research suggests that early civilizations consuming cacao might have been different, Otegui emphasized Mexico’s undeniable relevance. “Origin and use are distinct,” he explained, using the tomato and Italian salsa analogy. “The Mayas and Aztecs gave cacao its context and power, using it as currency, tribute, and in rituals. It’s here that cacao gains global significance.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Museo del Cacao y Chocolate? It’s a new cultural attraction in Mexico City’s Historic Center, offering an immersive and multisensory journey celebrating cacao’s history, culture, and gastronomy.
- Where is it located? The museum is situated at República de Guatemala 24, near the Zócalo capitalino.
- What makes this museum unique? It’s housed in a meticulously restored colonial building, with archaeological discoveries made during restoration highlighting its historical significance.
- What can visitors expect from the experience? An interactive and educational journey, including workshops to create personalized chocolate bars.
- Why is Mexico historically important in the cacao world? The Mayas and Aztecs gave cacao its context and global significance by using it as currency, tribute, and in rituals.
