MEXICO CITY – To many, it is common knowledge that Sundays in Mexico City mean “free days” at museums.
A way to stimulate tourism and cultural appreciation, these free days are a chance to see all you can in one day and students at the 2024 YJI Global Conference in Mexico City took advantage of this opportunity.
We were immediately blown away by how popular museum-free days are. People of all ages were packed into each corner of the museum, taking in all the sights and sounds.
Free days allowed all people – no matter their socioeconomic status – the chance to enjoy the learning environment and to better grasp Mexican culture and identity.
Inspiring feelings of national unity, museum-free days simultaneously promote museum popularity and increased exposure to the arts and humanities.
This Mexican museum culture caused us to reflect on the place of museums in our own nations.
In the United States, museums are perceived as an elite activity. Ticket prices tend to be on the higher side, ranging from $20-50 per person to enter a museum.
As a 2023 article from the American Alliance of Museums stated, only 28% of American citizens visit a museum every year. Factors for staying away may include poor integration of the importance of museums into childhood education and an increased emphasis on STEM fields.
In the United States, it is rare to witness a museum busy with onlookers.
Accessibility in cultural spaces – everything from ticket prices to adaptability – is treated differently around the world.
In Brazil, access to cultural and historical evolution is a challenge the population faces during their lifetime.
In Rio de Janeiro, most museums increase the price of tickets on weekends. Unfortunately for many people, that means it is not possible for many people to visit places where they can learn about history and culture.
Museums are a vital way for knowledge and stories to come to life. But our modern museum culture is sacrificing this promotion of knowledge to pay the bills.
It’s important to remember the impact museums have on individual communities in contrast to the need for museums in the business world.
To be included and offered access to cultural spaces improves the feeling of belonging and national identity, which makes the population care more about what surrounds them.
When analyzing affordability in Mexico, we found the system of “free days” during the weekends – which is great for working people who can have leisure time with their families – a great opportunity for learning.
It’s possible to enjoy the magnificence of different museums around the city – each approaching diverse periods of revolution, art and geographical evolution – without financial hardship.
While we YJI students immersed ourselves in Mexican culture, it was clear to us how it is possible to learn about a place through the lens of community members.
Through a guided tour around the Coyoacán neighborhood, tour guide Adriana Villaseñor, who lives in Mexico City, showed us the historical aspects of the streets, houses, and artwork. As she explained each small detail, from the volcano stones on the streets to describing the famous residents who once lived in the neighborhood, we saw how social inclusion makes it possible for locals to participate.
But social inclusion goes beyond creating affordability and cultural access. Unfortunately, access to the incredible descriptions and features a museum may offer is not always available to all people.
We also thought about exploring museums with a physical disability. It gave us a chance to rethink what we valued out of each museum in Mexico City. During our visit to several museums, we admired good adaptations as well as noted some poorly developed environments.
At the Museo Frida Kahlo – known as the Casa Azul, or the Blue House – there are certain modes of access, such as ramps for the disabled, but this is not enough. The Casa Azul has several uneven floors.
But Frida Kahlo’s house is still better than the Monument to the Mexican Revolution. While the whole intention of paying homage is valid and beautiful, the elevator only goes up to a certain part of the rooftop.
The monument’s observation deck promised a breathtaking view of part of Mexico City, but to get there, you had to climb several flights of stairs.
We couldn’t stop imagining people who would have liked to witness the view, but unfortunately couldn’t enjoy it because of the structure.
Knowledge and culture are common rights, and they should be applied to all of us, with no exclusions or limitations. Accommodations should be a priority for all to equally enjoy a museum.
To better understand this from the perspective of a person with disabilities, during the YJI visit to the Museum of Chocolate, we had the opportunity to interview visitor Rashid Deme, who is visually impaired.
“Museums around the world should [include] visual aids and interactive exhibits,” said Deme. During an interview, Rashid explained how to have features to imagine and comprehend what was being represented by the museum, bringing more sense of engagement and curiosity.
Rashi said people learn differently.
“Some need to touch things, some learn best by listening, and others are more kinesthetic or auditory in their learning preferences,” he said.
Museums, which often serve as important repositories of history, play a crucial role in this process by providing opportunities for visitors to engage directly with historical artifacts – whether through visual observation, auditory explanations, or even tactile experiences.
Since museums are a way of being in touch with history, both literally and figuratively, a tactile experience is essential for a deeper understanding and appreciation during the learning process.
Across the world, and specifically in Mexico City, museums are a vital way to communicate a nation’s history and culture. But museums must also be adaptable to allow everyone – no matter your physical abilities – the chance to learn.
Knowledge should not be limited to those who can afford it – or those who can physically access it without accommodation.
Norah Springborn is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from Illinois in the United States. She co-wrote this article.
Cassiane Saraiva is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Rio de Janiero, Brazil. She co-wrote this article.
Samantha Esquivel is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Matamoros, Mexico. She contributed a photo to this article.
