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All Mexico Tuxtla Gutiérrez Museo de la Marimba (Marimba Museum)

Museo de la Marimba (Marimba Museum)

This museum honors a unique musical instrument of African origins, whose sound defines a city.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico

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linkogecko
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Museo de la Marimba (Marimba Museum)   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Museo de la Marimba (Marimba Museum)   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
One of the frequent marimba danzón music recitals in the nearby Parque de la Marimba.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
The wood of Platymiscium dimorphandrum is favored for marimba-making.   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
Museo de la Marimba (Marimba Museum)   linkogecko / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Marimbas are wooden percussion instruments similar to xylophones. Although African in origin, many of its modern modifications have their roots in Mexico. The instrument made its way to Mexico from enslaved Africans.

The Maya people took a particular liking to the instrument, improving its sound with the addition of gourds as resonators. The marimba is the national instrument of Guatemala and widely popular in Mexican states with Maya populations. Chief among these is probably Chiapas and the state capital of Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

In central Tuxtla, visitors will find the Parque de la Marimba, a city square with a central gazebo where marimba recitals can be heard several times a day. Inside a building opposite the park is the Marimba Museum. 

Opened in 2006, the museum displays around 15 marimbas, the oldest of which was created in 1917. An interactive hall allows visitors to interact with digital marimba displays showing the differences caused by distinct types of builds and woods. The Hall of Fame celebrates noted marimbistas from around the world, highlighting the late Chiapanec virtuoso Zeferino Nandayapa. An audio library of notable marimba compositions completes the museum's collection.

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Museums Music Music History History & Culture

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The museum opens from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Entrance cost is MXN $10, free on Sundays.

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linkogecko

Published

May 13, 2020

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  • http://www.spanishunlimited.com/spain/culture/2015/7/the-marimba
  • https://nandayapa.com/en/zeferino-nandayapa/
Museo de la Marimba (Marimba Museum)
S/N Calle Novena Pte. Sur
Tuxtla Gutiérrez, 29000
Mexico
16.755057, -93.123991
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico

miles away

Zoo Miguel Álvarez del Toro

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico

miles away

Crocodiles of Sumidero Canyon

Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Mexico

Places 3

Nearby Places

Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico

miles away

Zoo Miguel Álvarez del Toro

Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico

miles away

Crocodiles of Sumidero Canyon

Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Mexico

Places 3

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