Mérida’s new train museum goes full steam ahead
Two years after closing its gates, Mérida’s train and railway museum has reopened to the public.
But despite being in a very similar location to the old museum, its new version and surroundings are completely unrecognizable.
While the museum used to lie in an open field, it is now fully integrated into La Plancha Park, along with several other family-friendly attractions, spots to catch a snack or meal and another museum, the UNAM’s Museum of Light.
When approaching the museum, it’s easy to tell the project was taken on with a great deal of care, as even the smallest details, like the sign pointing to the ticketing booth within a train wagon, are beautifully designed.
Aside from the locomotives, wagons and artifacts on display, some of which date back to the nineteenth century, the museum stands out for setting the tone through locomotive sounds like whistles and the chugging of old engines.
These sounds and changes in lighting begin as soon as one enters and don’t stop until the exit, which may be overwhelming if they were not so carefully crafted. Another improvement is that the entire museum is entirely air-conditioned, which is appreciated.
The museography is also well done, featuring several infographics in Spanish and English highlighting the history of rail travel and cargo in the Yucatán Peninsula.
The museum also features a brief video mapping section that narrates, through images and sound, the cultural importance of rail in the Yucatán Peninsula.
One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to board a fully restored passenger wagon from the mid-twentieth century, which has been fully refurbished and beautifully lit.
The final exhibit is perhaps its weakest, not because it is not well designed, but rather because it feels like government propaganda — droning on about the success and importance of the Tren Maya.
This section also includes an interactive “build your own train” activity for children, complete with video projection and a touch interface.
Overall, Mérida’s new railway museum is excellent, but so was the previous one. It is hard not to miss the opportunity that used to be afforded by its earlier version, which was larger and allowed the boarding of almost every locomotive and wagon.
Mérida’s La Plancha Rail Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets cost 120 pesos for foreign tourists, 80 pesos for Mexican residents, and 40 pesos for children and locals.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
