Spratling was a New York architect who settled in Taxco in 1929. He decided to make pre-Hispanic designs in the silver of the region and trained local artisans in his methods. He collected many beautiful pieces of pre-Hispanic art as well as copies, founding a great museum to house them.

The introductory gallery gives an overview of 15 centuries of history before entering the central area of the archeological site. The ancient inhabitants had a fascination for water and the sun, and their monuments reflect this.

Owners of turquoise, proprietors of the calendar and lords of time. This is how the inhabitants of this ancient city were known. They ruled over the Costa Grande in the modern state of Guerrero and were influenced by Olmec and Teotihuacan cultures, as can be seen in their fine pottery and hydraulic works.

Built from river stones and adobe, this ancient city might once have been as important as Teotihuacan. 2,500 years ago it was the capital of the Costa Grande in the present-day state of Guerrero. Inhabited by Tomils, Cuitlatecs and Tepoztecs, it has a partially excavated ballcourt which could be the largest in Mesoamerica.

Unique settlement in the present-day state of Guerrero with monumental architecture bearing Olmec traces. It played a key role in the supply, manufacture and redistribution of luxury goods from the coast destined for the Valley of Mexico.  It was inhabited for almost 800 years.

The Mexica conquered this town and turned it into an important trading and ceremonial center. This was the site where they accumulated and redistributed the tributes they received from the region. There are temples, rooms and open spaces with the remains of red stucco on the floor.

One of the best restored and preserved ancient fortresses in Mexico holds the history of the port of Acapulco: its original population, the age of sail, the Manila Galleons, the first trade with China, the missionary expeditions, attacks by pirates, and the siege in the War of Independence.