Portal Morelos No. 1, corner of Reforma, Historic Center, Zip Code 28000, Colima, Colima, Mexico.
The history of Colima since early times is housed in this architectural jewel from the Porfiriato period. The archeology (influenced by the great volcano), pottery from the Capacha, Ortice and Comala regions, shaft tombs, evangelization, trade with the Philippines, the passage of Benito Juarez, the Revolution and the region today are all represented.
The history of Colima since early times is housed in this architectural jewel from the Porfiriato period. The archeology (influenced by the great volcano), pottery from the Capacha, Ortice and Comala regions, shaft tombs, evangelization, trade with the Philippines, the passage of Benito Juarez, the Revolution and the region today are all represented.
Its collection relates the most important details of the building’s history, from the pre-Hispanic era to the first half of the twentieth century. Opened in 1988, the Colima Regional History Museum has been installed in a building that was renovated during the Porfiriato period, having originally been constructed as a dwelling in the early nineteenth century in Portal Morelos. Together with the Smaller Cathedral or Basilica, the City Hall, the Hidalgo and Medellín Sites and the Garden of Freedom, it is part of the city’s architectural heritage.
The museum’s narrative teaches visitors about the evolution of the Mesoamerican peoples who settled in this area, the implements and new activities they adopted following the Conquest, Evangelization and trade with Asia, as well as the main historical events which Colima experienced during the nineteenth and part of the twentieth centuries.
Although the museum’s beautiful building also has viceregal architectural elements dating from the end of the eighteenth century, it has been modified due to a variety of circumstances: from repairs and improvements carried out by its owners, to the onslaught of natural phenomenons which, although in the past, the city frequently suffers from due to its geographical location.
At first, the building was know as Portal de Brizuela as it belonged to one of the main landowners in Colima, who ordered a Tuscan-style house to be built on the ruins of a porticoed building made from wood and tile known as Portal de los Regalado; a name given in memory of two Independence heroes.
The residence belonged to the Pérez Ayala family and had only one floor. However, after passing to one of their nieces, a renovation was carried out in 1948 on the orders of the niece’s husband, Juan de Dios Brizuela. The side street, Reforma, belonged to the De la Madrid family. An important resident of Colima spent his childhood here: Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado, former president of Mexico. In 1913 the building was converted into the Hotel Casino, under the management of an Asian businessman with the surname Li, who extended the mansion by adding a second floor to boost business.
It wasn’t until November 1989 that it began operation as an institution dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of the state. Thanks to an agreement signed between the National Institute of Anthropology and History, the University of Colima and the Colima State Government, the building was incorporated into the university's cultural patrimony, under the management and supervision of the INAH.
This gallery explores the arrival of the first settlers to one of the largest regions of Mesoamerica: the West. The geography and natural wealth of this area fostered the development of thriving societies and gave rise to distinct cultural phases.
This gallery is dedicated to the surrounding environment and the generosity of nature, which made it possible for communities to settle in the valley. A unique culture emerged here, one that skillfully used each natural resource to sustain human life.
Western Mesoamerica is known for its unique funerary tradition: the shaft tomb. These were vertical excavations roughly 2.5 meters deep. This gallery features a reproduction of one of these tombs, offering insight into the arrangement of the deceased and their offerings.
As in other parts of Mesoamerica, societies in Colima lived in close harmony with nature. Many of their deities were depicted in animal form. This space displays figures representing various species, such as ducks, dogs, and axolotls, among others.
This gallery presents human figurines that offer a glimpse into daily life, showing men and women engaged in everyday activities, their gestures, forms, and expressions—an enduring reflection of community life.
The final room in the archaeology section illustrates the evolution of pre-Hispanic societies prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
This gallery examines the arrival of the Spanish, who came in search of gold. Finding none, they instead took advantage of the region’s fertile land for cultivating new crops. This agricultural activity led to an economic boom and brought about significant social change.
This space highlights the influence of the Philippines and the importance of trade with the Far East through the Manila Galleon. It also references the port of Zacatula as a strategic hub for new journeys and conquests.
This gallery explores the arrival of various religious orders in the Province of Colima and the evangelization process that followed, culminating in the adoption of Saint Philip of Jesus as the region’s patron saint.
This section discusses the process through which Colima became a free and sovereign state in the late 18th century. It also highlights the role of Father Miguel Hidalgo, who served as parish priest in San Felipe de Jesús, and the presence of President Benito Juárez in the region.
This gallery focuses on the economic development of Colima in the second half of the 19th century, marked by the rise of industry, the arrival of the railroad, and the expansion of communication networks that contributed to societal progress and well-being.
This gallery explores how the events triggered by the armed uprisings of 1910 impacted Colima’s economic, political, and social structures. It also addresses key historical episodes such as the Maderista movement, the government of Juan José Ríos, and the Cristero War.
This section narrates the country’s historical development, tracing its roots back to the first cultures that laid the foundation for human civilization.
Within the museum facilities is the University Film Hall, a recently inaugurated space available for film screenings, courses, workshops, and other cultural activities.
