Mexico INAH heritage site usage controversy

In late July 2026, Mexican influencer Estefanía Coppola posted videos suggesting she could rent the historic Castillo de Chapultepec for her wedding at a low price. The Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) responded, stating the venue had not been rented for any private event; the visit was a public tour limited to standard admission fees and the museum only permits cultural, academic or scientific activities.

Two days later INAH issued a broader clarification. It reiterated that the Castillo de Chapultepec cannot be leased for private celebrations and also addressed rumors that tickets to the Tulum archaeological zone had been privatized through a contract with Grupo Mundo Maya, a company linked to the Defense Ministry. INAH explained the arrangement merely changes the payment mechanism while the institute retains full authority over research, conservation, protection, administration and operation of the site.

Both statements underscore INAH’s consistent policy of restricting heritage sites to non‑commercial, preservation‑focused uses and maintaining institutional control over ticketing and management.