Museo Universitario del Chopo

This striking steel and glass museum — also known as the Crystal Palace — was originally built as the Mexican pavilion for Germany's Düsseldorf Industrial Exposition in 1902, then disassembled and shipped to Mexico City where it was reconstructed in Santa María la Ribera. Run by UNAM, it focuses on contemporary art, experimental exhibitions, and alternative culture, with rotating shows that range from visual art and photography to performance pieces and multimedia installations.

The building itself is the main draw, with a gorgeous Art Nouveau iron structure and natural light flooding through glass panels. There's a small cinema inside that screens independent and international films, plus a cafeteria and a curated selection of art books on the upper level. Admission is affordable, and entry is free on Wednesdays — just note that lockers require a 5-peso coin, and the stairs are often closed, so you'll need to use the elevator to reach the upper floors.