Museo de Las Culturas de Oaxaca

This striking museum is connected to and part of the Santo Domingo Church, being housed on two floors of the former monastery attached to the church. (If you have visited Oaxaca previously, do not be confused—it used to be called the Museo Regional.) Here you find a breathtaking collection of artifacts gathered from excavations at nearby archaeological sites. The most spectacular display consists of more than 500 stunning pieces of silver, jade, gold, and turquoise that were found in Monte Albán in just one tomb, number 7. A rich collection of archaeological and ethnographical objects from all over the state of Oaxaca are also exhibited here. One room of special interest is that featuring a collection of pre-Hispanic musical instruments, attesting to the sophistication of the early Mixtec culture.