A relatively small museum, Museo Hidalgo is still an interesting and educational place to visit,…read morepacked with small figures illustrating moments in the history of both the Mexican revolution of independence and of the city of Salamanca itself. Various photographs adorn the walls, chronicling the change and growth of the city, with educational videos to provide a narrative. The building itself is part of history, being where Hidalgo was hidden during his march to Guanajuato, at the beginning of the revolution, and from which he would give a speech, rousing members of the city to rise up with him and join the revolution--and the march.
The museum itself is comprised of two floors, the first of which I just covered--the museum proper; the second floor is really more an art exhibit than a history museum. Apart from the beautiful painting depicting Hidalgo along with people from Salamanca (Salmantinos) who aided him, the balcony from which Hidalgo gave his speech is the only historical thing of note. A small, hardly noticeable, unframed sign is the only thing drawing attention to the balcony, which is cordoned off. The rest of the second floor is dedicated to about a dozen or so sculptures by a man named Hugo Fernandez, who does not appear to be from the city. The works are, nonetheless, interesting and beautiful, made from repurposed construction and industrial materials, as well as old and obsolete machines and appliances, so you'll find concrete, bronze, wiring, springs, and nails incorporated into his pieces.
Perhaps not the largest, or most exhaustive museum on Hidalgo, it's more a museum that's trying to capture and preserve the city's part in a larger history, while also chronicling its own. The building is named after Hidalgo, but it's more about Salamanca, which is definitely not a bad thing, just something to note. Not far from the Plazoleta Miguel Hidalgo it's open in the afternoons and then again in the evening, plus it's free, so it's DEFINITELY worth checking out.
