UABC Museum (IIC-Museo) in Mexicali

The museum of the Autonomous University of Baja California, known today as IIC-Museo, stands at the corner of Avenida Reforma and Calle "L" in Colonia Nueva, a few blocks from the Civic Center. It covers the natural and human history of Baja California and is also open on weekends.

Desert, Migration and Border

The permanent exhibit runs through three rooms. Paleontology shows fossils from the region. Prehistory and Archaeology spans from the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago, to the Yuman peoples. History and Culture tells the story of the Cucapá, Kiliwa, Kumiai, Cochimí and Pa-ipai, the arrival of the Spanish and the missions, and the Chinese, Japanese, Russian, American and Mexican migrants who built the city.

From university museum to research institute

It began as the University Museum. In 2003 it became the Center for Cultural Studies, in 2005 the CIC-Museo, and since 2012 it has been the Institute of Cultural Research-Museum: it researches as well as exhibits. On October 30, 2026 it celebrates its 49th anniversary with a free bazaar and concert.

Besides the permanent exhibit it hosts temporary shows; in 2026 these included "Como de otro mundo" and "Desde el río hasta las calles". Check its website or social media (@iicmuseouabc) for what is on when you visit.