Discover the Artistic Gems of Mexico City’s Historic Downtown
I’m a city girl at heart; I thrive on the manic energy. But the first time I visited Mexico City's historic downtown, known as the Centro Histórico, I was overwhelmed. The crowded streets are alive, in the best way, with the sounds of street vendors, the aroma of assorted delicacies, and relentless visual delights. With so much to see and do, it can be inundating for even the most seasoned city traveler. That's why focusing on one aspect—like the incredible art scene—can transform your visit from chaotic to captivating. On my third visit, I spent the day doing just that, and it unlocked a new appreciation for Mexico City’s vibrant center. Whether you're drawn to major art museums or hidden art gems, these Centro Histórico stops shouldn’t be missed.
The Heart of Mexican Art: Palacio de Bellas Artes
Exterior view of Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palacio de Bellas Artes, often referred to as the Cathedral of Art in Mexico, is an iconic landmark, an architectural marvel, a performing arts center, and an art museum rolled into one. Located in the heart of Mexico City’s historic downtown, the exterior of the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a stunning blend of white Italian Carrara marble and intricate ironwork, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Inside, the grandeur continues with opulent interiors featuring stained glass marble staircases.
Art Deco interior of Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palacio has hosted some of the most significant cultural events in the country, but the mural masterpieces housed within are what truly make it a must-see art destination. Mexican murals are visual manifestos, each telling a story of struggle, identity, and the Mexican spirit. The Palacio features some of Mexico's most celebrated artists and murals, including Diego Rivera’s Man at the Crossroads, originally commissioned for New York's Rockefeller Center and recreated here after its controversial destruction. José Clemente Orozco's dramatic Catharsis mural depicts the chaos and destruction of modern society, a critical view of industrialization and war. David Alfaro Siqueiros' New Democracy illustrates the triumph of the Mexican Revolution with bold, dynamic figures breaking free from oppression. Each artwork features a QR code for English descriptions, making it easy to take a self-guided tour at your own pace.
Carnival of Mexican Life, Dictatorship mural by Diego Rivera
Catharsis by José Clemente Orozco
In addition to its murals, the Palacio de Bellas Artes also features the National Museum of Architecture on its upper floors. It offers a deep dive into Mexico's architectural evolution, showcasing models, plans, and photographs of significant buildings from the pre-Hispanic era to the present day. Architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss it.
Pro Tip: Fans of Mexican muralism should also consider a visit to Museo Mural Diego Rivera, which is dedicated to preserving and showcasing one of the country’s most iconic artworks: Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central. This monumental mural, created by the legendary artist Diego Rivera, is the centerpiece of the museum and provides a fascinating window into Mexico’s cultural and political history.
Casa de los Azulejos: A Jewel of Tile and Tradition
Exterior of Casa de los Azulejos
During a particularly illuminating visit to Lisbon’s National Museum of Azulejo, I learned that the ubiquitous blue and white designs of the 18th century were inspired by the Dutch, who became a prominent colonial power in the late 17th century. When you first set your sights on the Casa de los Azulejos, or House of Tiles, it becomes clear how far-reaching those influences were across the globe. The 18th-century palace is renowned for its stunning façade, which features blue and white Talavera tiles carefully arranged in intricate geometric patterns. The azulejos were imported from Puebla, a Mexican city famed for its pottery and ceramics. The use of these decorative tiles was rare for private homes at the time, making the Casa de los Azulejos a bold statement of opulence and artistic flair. The intricate stonework surrounding the windows, balconies, and doors further elevates its beauty, making it one of the most eye-catching structures in the Centro Histórico. The porcelain crowns atop the building add a final touch of elegance, making it a true architectural gem.
Omniscience mural by José Clemente Orozco
Today, the Casa de los Azulejos is home to one of Mexico's most famous restaurants and department stores, Sanborns. Inside, the grand central courtyard is a marvel of design, with its high ceilings and stately columns. A cheerful peacock mural by the Romanian painter Pacologue from 1919 still adorns the walls of its dining room, and a grand staircase features a mural by José Clemente Orozco. The contrast between the vibrant, light-filled exterior and the darker, more intimate interior spaces adds to the building’s mystique. The blend of Moorish, Baroque, and indigenous influences is evident in the details, from the stained-glass windows to the wood-paneled walls, making the Casa de los Azulejos a true testament to Mexico’s rich architectural heritage.
Palacio de Iturbide: A Baroque Masterpiece of Mexican History
Exterior of Palacio de Iturbide
Just a few steps east on Avenida Madero lies the Palacio de Iturbide, a symbol of Mexico City’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Built in 1779, the stately Baroque palace was commissioned by the Count of San Mateo Valparaíso as a lavish wedding gift for his daughter. Its name, however, is linked to one of Mexico’s most significant historical figures—Agustín de Iturbide, the military leader who played a crucial role in Mexico’s fight for independence. In 1821, following the country’s liberation from Spanish rule, Iturbide resided in the palace and briefly used it as his imperial residence when he was declared Emperor of Mexico. Although his reign was short-lived, the palace's connection to Iturbide cemented its place in the nation’s history.
The Palacio de Iturbide is a quintessential example of Mexican Baroque architecture, with its impressive three-story façade made of locally sourced tezontle (volcanic stone) and chiluca (white stone). The palace's exterior features intricately carved stone window frames, balconies with wrought-iron railings, and an ornate entrance that leads to a grand interior courtyard.
Atlas exhibit by Jan Hendrix
Today, the Palacio de Iturbide serves as the headquarters for Fomento Cultural Banamex, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Mexican art and culture. The palace regularly hosts temporary art exhibitions, featuring a wide range of works from Mexican folk art to contemporary photography and colonial art. Admission is free, so there’s no excuse not to explore. On my visit, I discovered artist Jan Hendrix, a Dutch expatriate living in Mexico City since 1978, whose work manipulates, teases and highlights the beauty of nature. If you’d like to make the most of your visit, you can also check ahead for the current exhibition schedule.
Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL): A Treasure Trove of Mexican Art
Interior courtyard of Museo Nacional de Arte
The Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) is one of Mexico City’s premier art institutions, offering an unparalleled journey through the country's artistic evolution. Located in a stunning neoclassical building that was once the Palace of Communications, MUNAL houses an extensive collection of Mexican art, spanning from the colonial era to the early 20th century.
MUNAL's grand staircase and its painted ceiling
The building itself, completed in 1911, is a work of art. Designed by Italian architect Silvio Contri, the structure reflects the European influences that were popular during the era of President Porfirio Díaz. The majestic façade and ornate interior spaces exude elegance and grandeur, with its grand arches, imposing columns, and intricate stone carvings. I was particularly in awe of the magnificent central staircase and its painted ceiling. I sheltered in the museum on a rainy day, and found myself drawn to the dramatic view, which felt more like a movie set than a museum.
A View of Guelatao by José María Velasco
Juchitan River by Diego Rivera
MUNAL’s collection is a comprehensive overview of Mexican art, covering several important periods in the country’s history. The museum’s exhibitions are arranged chronologically, allowing you to trace the development of Mexican artistic expression over several centuries. The collection begins with works from the colonial era, including religious art commissioned by the Catholic Church. From the 19th century, there are works from the Mexican Romanticism and Realism movements, which shifted away from religious themes towards scenes of everyday life, historical events, and portraits. Key artists from this time, such as José María Velasco, renowned for his magnificent landscapes of the Mexican countryside, and Felipe Santiago Gutiérrez, known for his striking portraits, provide a window into the changing social and political landscape of the era.
The museum also places a strong emphasis on the Mexican modernist movement, which emerged in the early 20th century. You can explore more works from famous muralists Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, but also works by María Izquierdo, an artist who broke barriers with her powerful depictions of Mexican culture and female experience. Whether you're drawn to reverent religious depictions, evocative landscapes, or revolutionary works of modernist icons, MUNAL provides a deep and rich encounter with Mexico’s artistic legacy.
Palacio Postal: A Majestic Blend of History and Architecture
Italian marble staircase in Palacio Postal
The Palacio Postal, also referred to as the Palacio de Correos de México, is one of Mexico City’s most iconic architectural landmarks. This awe-inspiring building, located in the heart of Centro Histórico, is another magnificent example of the grandiose style that characterized the Porfirian era. Designed by the Italian architect Adamo Boari, who also designed the nearby Palacio de Bellas Artes, the building is a stunning blend of architectural styles, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences with touches of Art Nouveau.
Ironwork details in Palacio Postal
The building’s façade, crafted from cantera stone, features elaborate carvings and detailed ironwork that give it a palace-like appearance. Inside, you can’t miss the impressive marble staircase, one of the building’s most remarkable features. Made of Italian marble, the double staircase gracefully sweeps upward, branching out into two arms that lead to the upper floors. The banisters are made of bronze and iron, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship in every curve and detail. The staircase serves as the heart of the building, complementing the intricate plasterwork and chandeliers.
Despite its palace-like appearance, the Palacio Postal is still a working post office, with counters where visitors can send letters or purchase stamps. The juxtaposition of such a grandiose architectural environment with the everyday function of a post office confers a layer of authenticity that sets it apart from other tourist attractions.
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México: A Hidden Gem in the Zócalo
Grand lobby of Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
There are numerous hotels in Mexico City’s historic downtown catering to every type of traveler. But even if the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México doesn’t end up being your choice of where to stay in Mexico City, it’s still a destination you won’t want to miss. Yet another gem from the Porfirio Diaz administration, the Art Nouveau building was originally constructed at the end of the 19th century as a Mercantile Center over the site of a 16th century palace.
As you make your way to the Zócalo square, the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México is easy to miss amidst the bustling storefronts in the crowded city center. But the hotel’s subtle exterior camouflages the magic that lies within. As soon as you step into its lobby, the jaw-dropping stained-glass Tiffany ceiling draws the eye upward. Designed by French artisan Jacques Grüber, it is made up of 20,000 pieces of glass in vibrant hues of blue, green, and gold. The intricate details, including the delicate floral motifs and geometric shapes, are brought to life by the interplay of light and color. It is the fourth largest piece of stained glass in the world and often draws comparisons to the artistry and craftsmanship of other historic hotels like the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore.
Gilded birdcage in Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
Once you get over the initial shock of the amazing ceiling, you can begin to appreciate the pair of giant gilded birdcages in the lobby, as well as the beautiful wrought-iron details on the hotel’s railings and caged elevators. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this stunning architectural masterpiece has been a Hollywood favorite, featured in the movies Frida and Spectre.
Pro Tip: The Gran Hotel Ciudad de México has a terrace that overlooks the Zócalo square. If you let the front desk know you’d like to visit the terrace for drinks, they will escort you up and you’ll be able to get a close-up view of the stunning stained glass ceiling.
Azul Histórico: Dining in an Artistic Haven
Azul Histórico in Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle
Last but not least, it would be a dereliction of duty if I didn’t offer an opportunity to explore Mexico City’s vast culinary arts. Azul Histórico offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends Mexico’s culinary heritage with its vibrant artistic culture. Located in the Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle, this restaurant is much more than a place to eat; it’s a sensory journey through the flavors, colors, and history of the region. Azul Histórico is the creation of renowned Mexican chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, often referred to as the Anthropologist of Mexican Cuisine for his dedication to preserving and celebrating traditional Mexican recipes. Don’t miss the hot chocolate, a proprietary recipe manufactured in Oaxaca featuring various regional Mexican cocoa beans. It’s also fun to watch it prepared tableside.
Azul Histórico's hot chocolate prepared tableside
Once home to Mexico's literary elite and renowned artists, the Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle has played a significant role in the country's cultural heritage. This historic palace, with its opulent interiors and serene courtyard, has served as a muse to many creative minds. Notable Mexican artist Manuel Rodríguez Lozano's haunting mural, The Holocaust, graces the palace's grand staircase. The courtyard, where Azul Histórico is located, retains its original stone arches and intricate tilework, and its towering trees and flickering lanterns create an atmosphere of charming serenity.
Conclusion
Exploring the art destinations of Mexico City's historic downtown offers more than just a feast for the eyes; it's a journey through the heart of Mexican culture, history, and identity. As you walk the cobbled streets of Centro Histórico, it’s easy to see how art spills out of the museums and onto the streets, inviting everyone to be a part of its ongoing story. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the historic downtown offers endless inspiration, making it clear why Mexico City is truly a global arts capital.
