National Pavilion of Biodiversity of the Institute of Biology - UNAM

The National Pavilion of Biodiversity is a space that houses part of the National Collections of the Institute of Biology. It emerged from the need to expand the storage and exhibition areas for collections representing Mexican biodiversity and was made possible thanks to a donation from the Carlos Slim Foundation. Close collaboration between the Institute’s specialists and a dedicated team from the Slim Foundation made it possible to define the themes and resources of the Pavilion’s exhibitions, which are complemented by research areas and laboratories also located within the building.

The project was designed by architects from the INCARSO Group, who created a cylindrical structure with a dynamic façade that symbolizes the movement of life. Covering over 12,000 square meters across three levels, the building houses five biological collections — fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, mammals, and woods — as well as research laboratories, a digital library, a temporary exhibition area, and visitor services including a café and gift shop.

The exhibition spaces within the Pavilion form a thematic university museum with over 3,000 square meters dedicated to public engagement. It features six permanent galleries, a multimedia room for video screenings, lectures, and other events. Although the Pavilion — also known as PaBio — was inaugurated on October 5, 2021, it had to delay its public opening due to the pandemic and finally began operating in June 2022.

Currently, more than 3,000 specimens from the Institute of Biology’s collections are on display, accompanied by interactive tools and engaging content designed to make your visit a remarkable experience and inspire a deeper appreciation for life on Earth — especially the extraordinary biodiversity of Mexico.