Beneath this impressive structure lies a treasure trove of Mexican biodiversity. Welcome to the Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad. It is part of the Instituto de Biología.
Opened in the summer of 2022, this museum is dedicated to presenting and preserving Mexico’s natural heritage. The Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad helps shelter the National Institute of Biology’s collections. It is located in the University Cultural Center. The center stands at the heart of the CU campus.
This pavilion was made possible by a donation. The Carlos Slim Foundation contributed to it. They worked with the Institute. They defined themes and resources for the exhibits. Grupo INCARSO designed the 12000-square-meter building. They donated it too.
Inside, you will find a vast collection. The Institute of Biology has about 130000 dissected specimens. These include amphibians and insects. There are also mammals and reptiles. Microorganisms are present too. Skeletons of a sperm whale and a blue whale are exhibited. Around 3000 specimens are on display.
The Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad features six permanent exhibitions. They invite you to become an explorer. You can be a naturalist or a nature lover. You will discover Mexico’s megadiversity. These exhibits offer significant and fascinating experiences.
But the Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad is not just about static displays. It also houses a Digital Library. It is equipped with computers and digital microscopes. Robots and a 3D printer are available. There is also a space for temporary exhibitions. These often feature items on loan from the Soumaya Museum.
The Mexican National Institute of Biology has a rich history. It was founded in 1929. It serves as a repository for biological collections. These collections had accrued since the late 19th century. Today the institute is one of the largest research units at UNAM. It has 165 academic staff. They are grouped into five academic units.
Planning your visit to the Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad is easy. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Visiting hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM. Last entry is at 4 PM.
You can reach the Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad by Metro. Get off at Universidad station on Line 3. Then take the PUMABÚS Route 3. Get off in front of Universum. Walk to the cultural area. The Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad will be there.
You can also arrive by Metrobus. Get off at Centro Cultural Universitario station on Line 1. Exit toward Ciudad Universitaria. Cross the circuit. The Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad is a five-minute walk away.
Microbuses also offer access. Arrive via Avenida del Imán. Get off at the corner of Calle Céfiro. Walk into Ciudad Universitaria. Follow the cultural circuit. You will find the Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad in 10 minutes.
If you are driving from Insurgentes, head south. After the Ciudad Universitaria Metrobus station, take the second right. Look for the sculpture of Los Azulejos. Follow the signs to the cultural zone.
Alternatively, use Avenida del Imán. You can reach it via Avenida Aztecas or Avenida del Imán towards Perisur. Turn into Ciudad Universitaria. Pass the UNAM Convention Center. The Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad will be on your way.
As you explore the Pabellón Nacional de la Biodiversidad, remember its mission. It preserves Mexico’s natural biodiversity. It also inspires future generations. They can discover, describe, and document the species. Join the effort. Conserve this biological heritage. It is a unique treasure.