The only group open to the public is that of the Grand Plaza, a rectangular area 367 feet long and 290 feet wide. Its length is aligned in a northwest-southeast direction. Entrance is over a path between structures 15 and 13. These form part of the unexplored bases, or platforms bordering the plaza on the eat (structures 17 and 18), north (structures 15 and 16), and west sides (structures 12 and 13).

Acropolis and Stele 1
The hill of the Acropolis, which rises from the south side of the plaza is covered with terraces and buildings. At its foot, and almost at the middle of the plaza, stands the magnificent stele 1, which is 17 feet high, nearly nine feet wide, and from seven to eight inches thick. Its carved face looks towards the Acropolis. It depicts Lord Chaan Muan II attired in an elaborate costume and high headdress. In his right hand he holds a ceremonial spear; in the left, a shield with the face of the jaguar god of the underworld. Beneath his feet there is a band giving the names of his parents, and his own name is inscribed next to his left leg. At the base of the portrayal is the head of the case monster.

Temple of the Paintings
It rises at the foot of the terraced hiss. The group has a height of 153 feet and has two directions of horizontal composition, at different levels, that serve as bases for two series of buildings. On the lowest of these platforms, some 50 feet above the plaza, there are three buildings. The one on the right is Building 1, or Temple of the Paintings, in the middle are the ruins of Building 2. And to the left is Building 3.

Stele 2 and 3
The main entrance to this level is up the monumental stairway at the middle of the group. There are two flights of stairs with a platform between them where, to the left, you find stele 2, and, to the right, stele 3. The former has a portrayal of Chaan Muan II accompanied by his mother and wife in a ceremony of self-sacrifice; the latter again shows this ruler, this time facing a prisoner.

On up the stairway and to the right, you come to the Temple of the Paintings. It has three doors that lead into three separate rooms, all decorated with the famed paintings. The carved lintels over the doors show three scenes of enemy chieftains being captured by two Bonampak rulers and another from Yaxchilan.

Chamber 1
On three sides of the ceiling are paintings that show the ruling family presenting their heir, as well as the preparation and dressing of the lord by several dignitaries and attendants. They are portrayed later in a ceremony with musicians on the walls of the lower part.

Chamber 2
It depicts the development of a bloody battle, and the presentation and torture of the prisoners.

Chamber 3
The paintings here show the victory feast, where there are dancers, dignitaries, and musicians. ON the left wall is the lord of Bonampak and his family, who are drawing their own blood as an offering to the gods.

Buildings 2 through 9
At the left end of this first terrace you see Building 3. It has three entrances and its main façade and a stairway which goes down to the plaza. Between Building 3 and the remains of Building 2 is the stairway leading up to the shrines above called, from left to right, Buildings 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4. Each of them has a single chamber and entrance, except Building 4, which has two rooms. All but number 4 are very small in size and have, except number 6, cylindrical alters inside. Building 6 has a lintel which the carved bust of Lord Chaan Muan I and dates from about 604 A.D.

Between Building 5 and 6 are several flights of stairs that lead to the ruins of Structure 19, which has a lintel with a niche. Next to this structure, and behind Building 4, you come upon a tiny plaza with a platform and Building 9, which has a single entrance to its chamber. Inside is an uncarved stele, which is set facing westward.