This building is the neoclassical masterpiece of the Americas. 

It was built from 1797 to 1813 by the Valencian sculptor and architect Manuel Tolsá to house the Royal Mining Seminar, an institution aimed at training mining specialists. Subsequently, it housed other institutions such as the National University, the School of Engineers, the College of Miners, and the Institute of Physics.

The complex includes the Ancient Chapel, the Hall of Events, the Rector's Hall, the Director's Hall, the Gallery of Rectors, and the Library, some of which still have magnificent 19th-century mural paintings. 

Five courtyards are part of the complex, with the main one, framed by arches, beautiful pilasters, and unique columns, providing access to a stately staircase.

The museum has 33 galleries that display collections of Mexican colonial, modern, and contemporary art chronologically from the 16th century to the mid-20th century. The exhibition is divided into three major groups, coinciding with three important periods in Mexican history: 

The Art of the Viceroyalty of New Spain:

This collection consists of works from the former Viceroyal Pinacoteca. These pieces were created between 1550 and 1820. Most of them have religious themes, but there are also portraits, still life, landscapes, and historical paintings. 

The Construction of a Nation (1810-1911): 

This collection showcases a portion of Mexican artistic production from the 19th century, portraying the independent Mexico that emerged in 1810. 

Strategies for a Modern Mexico (1900-1954):

This collection brings together Mexican art from the first half of the 20th century, featuring works by Siqueiros, Orozco, González Camarena, Diego Rivera, Miguel Covarrubias, Pablo O'Higgins, Juan O'Gorman, Rufino Tamayo, among others.   

The museum also offers six specialized rooms for temporary or special exhibitions.

Since 1980, this beautiful building has been home to the International Book Fair of the Palace of Mining, which brings together various publishers each year and offers conferences, forums, and book presentations.