Last week I visited one of the newer additions to the list of more than 150 museums in Mexico City... "El Museo Postal".
The museum is housed in Mexico City's main post office. The elegant building was inaugurated in 1907 during the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. That period, known as the "Porfiriato", saw the construction of many European-inspired buildings. The designer of the post office building was the Italian architect Adam Boari, the same man who designed the Palace of Fine Arts next door.
Even if you are not planning on visiting the postal museum, it is worthwhile to step inside and take a look at its ornate interior.
The museum exhibits are located on the upper floors of the building, areas that previously had been closed to the public.
The ornate antique elevator still functions although its use appears to be restricted to authorized personnel.
The former reception room is decorated with frescos by an Italian painter which depict children writing, sending and reading letters.
The Oval Room was originally the office of the Director of the Postal Service.
There are displays of Mexican postage stamps...
...displays of postal equipment...
A 19th century scale for weighing packages
A 20th century postage stamp dispenser
A early 20th century post office safe
...displays on the delivery of the mail.
A mailperson's uniform
Mail delivery on horseback 1890
Mail vehicle 1928
Delivery by bicycle 1940
Post office motorcycle 2006
Although the postal museum is certainly not a "must-see" for visitors to the city, it is a nice addition to the growing list of museums in this city.
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