Museo Soumaya, Mexico City

The Museo Soumaya, a striking presence in Mexico City's vibrant cultural landscape, is a testament to the city's dedication to the arts. This modern museum, known for its distinctive, shimmering façade that resembles a silver cloud, houses a vast collection of art spanning from the 15th to the 20th century. The museum, which opened its doors in 2011, was named after Soumaya Domit, the late wife of the museum's founder, Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim.

Designed by the Mexican architect Fernando Romero, the Museo Soumaya's avant-garde structure is covered with 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles, capturing the city's imagination and drawing the attention of architecture enthusiasts from around the world. The building's unconventional design ensures that no two visits look the same, as the museum's surface reflects the changing light and shadows of Mexico City's days and seasons.

The museum's collection includes over 66,000 works, ranging from European old masters to modern art icons. Highlights include the largest collection of casts of sculptures by Auguste Rodin outside of France, works by Salvador Dalí, and an extensive compilation of Mexican art and historical coins. The museum also frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing both Mexican and international art.

Spanning six floors, the Museo Soumaya offers a unique journey through art history. Visitors can ascend the museum's spiraling ramp, which provides a seamless transition between exhibits and a sense of continuous exploration. The top floor, bathed in natural light from the glass ceiling, offers a tranquil space for reflection amid the masterpieces.