If you have time to visit just one museum during your stay in Mérida, visit MACAY. It's big, so…read moregive yourself one to two hours to enjoy the exhibits in the high-ceilinged airy galleries. The MACAY galleries have A/C. Note that the museum entrance is in the middle of the high-arched corridor (Pasaje de la Revolución ) adjacent to the San Ildefonso Catheral (the oldest church in the Western Hemisphere) that connects Calle 58 with Calle 60.
Though a sign at the entrance indicated a nominal admission fee, we were admitted for free, and photos without flash are permitted. If you have a daypack or other large bag, you will need to check it in at the entrance.
The emphasis at MACAY is architectural design, with a nice mixture of media presented (with lots of photos). The displays are weighted heavily towards buildings in the Federal District (Mexico City).
You will find works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo here. This famous couple had a passionate relationship, but could only take each other in limited doses. That being the case, they built his and her houses with a covered catwalk between the two homes.