Ciudad Juárez city centre is the city’s historic core, with urban art, events and commercial activity in its Centro Histórico. The Museo de la Revolución en la Frontera (MUREF) is a notable stop for its history and former customs-building setting.
- MUREF’s usual public hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00–17:00.
- Admission to MUREF is free for Mexican and foreign visitors.
Where does Ciudad Juárez city centre sit?
The historic centre is also known as Centro Histórico; the city was formerly called Paso del Norte.
Paso del Norte was founded in 1659 and became a stopping point for caravans travelling the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro toward Santa Fe, in present-day New Mexico. That history gives the central area a longer story than its present-day commercial role alone.
What can you see in central Juárez?
Central Juárez combines historic sites with urban activity. The city government describes Centro Histórico as a place for urban art, events and commercial activity, so you can plan a visit around the streets as well as a specific landmark.
MUREF occupies the former customs building, known as the ex Aduana, at Avenida 16 de Septiembre esquina con avenida Juárez s/n, Colonia Centro, C.P. 32000, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. The building was designed by George E. King in 1887 and constructed by engineer Manuel Garfias.
The ex Aduana hosted a 1909 meeting between Mexican president Porfirio Díaz and U.S. president William Taft, which INAH describes as the first meeting between the two countries’ presidents.
It later served as the headquarters of Francisco I. Madero in 1911, Pancho Villa in 1913 and Venustiano Carranza in 1914. For more context on the building and its collections, read this guide to visiting MUREF.
How do you get around central Juárez?
Once in the historic centre, the named places and activities include MUREF, urban art, events and commercial activity.
Parque Público Federal El Chamizal is another stop to include in a wider outing. The park has its own distinct setting and visit; plan it as a separate stop using this guide to a visit to El Chamizal.
What should you check before setting out?
INAH gives MUREF’s public hours as Tuesday through Sunday, 09:00–17:00, and admission as free for Mexican and foreign visitors. The museum also offers accessibility services, a cloakroom, restrooms and guided visits. Smoking, food, pets and flash photography are prohibited, and professional cameras may incur a fee.
Check the official site before you go, especially if you need current museum hours, admission details or information about an out-of-hours visit.
Check MUREF’s current hours before setting out from Istay Hotel Ciudad Juarez.
FAQs
What was Ciudad Juárez called before?
The city’s former name was Paso del Norte. It was founded in 1659 and became a stopping point for caravans on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.
What is the ex Aduana?
The ex Aduana is the former customs building that houses MUREF. Its history includes a 1909 meeting between the presidents of Mexico and the United States.
Is admission to MUREF free?
Admission is free for Mexican and foreign visitors. Check the official site before visiting for current details.