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Discovering Mexico's hidden treasures
Mexico is well known as a sun and beach destination. We often forget it also offers a wealth of culture, history and art that is unique in the world. If you've been to Mexico, you know it definitely merits another visit to discover the hidden side of a country we all think we know. Wouldn't you like to explore a cultural dimension that no other Central American or Caribbean country can offer?
Like most cosmopolitan cities, Mexico City offers a wide variety of cultural events, shopping areas and tourist attractions. During your stay, visit the museums to see some amazing collections that depict the evolution of Mexico's art and history, from the pre-Hispanic era to present day.
This month, we're taking you to Mexico on a journey of discovery that is every bit as exciting as a European cultural odyssey. Let yourself be captivated by Aztec art, imagine life back in the colonial era and draw inspiration from the likes of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Join us as we explore a whole other side of Mexico City, Puebla and Hidalgo. |
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Mexico City and surrounding area
Known as the "city of palaces," Mexico City has two zones that are classified as UNESCO world heritage sites. Its historic centre, where you can admire fine religious and historical buildings such as the Palace of Fine Arts, in both colonial and modern style, and the Xochimilco ecological park, considered by many as Mexico's Venice, with canals you can explore in a trajinera, a wooden boat festooned with flowers. In the north end of the city, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the world's most-visited shrines and a must-see for anyone who wants to know more about this country's customs and traditions.
Like any cosmopolitan city, Mexico City offers a wide variety of cultural, commercial and tourist sights where you can take part in all kinds of activities. Visit its museums and marvel at the surprising collections that reflect Mexico's historical and artistic development from the pre-colonial period to the present day.
Greater Mexico City is home to more than 100 museums and monuments of the highest architecture and art. To make sure you don't get lost in this cultural maze, we will present a selection of the city's finest museums. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, and you'll definitely have the opportunity to discover monuments and museums not mentioned here.
Enjoy your visit!
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The Tourism Secretary of Mexico City, Veracruz and Nuevo Leon, as well as the National Institute of Anthropology and History are now offering MP3 audio guides to visit the best places, monuments and museums of these regions.
Download these podcasts for free on their websites and enjoy a vast collection of guides to easily discover the cultural richness and millenary history of this wonderful country.
Discover Mexico with your iPod
On the Mexico City's Tourism Secretary website, travelers can download for free three itineraries of the most representative sites of country's capital: Reforma , Zocalo and Alameda.
These three audio guides include information on buildings, monuments, museums and emblematic sites located in three places in the city, focusing on the historical and architectural aspects of these wonderful sites.
In a section dedicated to museums, audio guides describe the main pieces along with a few short recounting of historical events.
Pratical aspects :
This site has three versions: computer, iPod and mobile phone! It is up to you to choose how you want to enjoy these cultural moments.
Try it now on (English and Spanish version):
http://www.mexicocity.gob.mx/contenido.php?cat=50910&sub=0
Not to be missed: |
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Discover the colonial history with Franz Mayer Museum
This is one of the most popular museums in Historic center of Mexico City. It is housed in an eighteenth-century hospital building that has been adapted to accommodate a huge collection of American, European and Asian art.
In six permanent galleries spanning the sixteenth to the nineteenth century, you'll see masterpieces by Francisco de Zurbarán, Ignacio Zuloaga, Lorenzo Lotto, Alessandro Allori and Bartholomeus Bruyn. Explore the museum's collections of silver, ceramics, furniture, sculptures and paintings, all created from rare, luxurious materials.
Suggested activities:
The museum also has a rare book library (with 800 different editions of Don Quixote, for example), a bookstore, gift shop and auditorium. It presents numerous temporary exhibitions, as well as guided tours, courses and lessons. Also offered are activities for children.
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Added extra:
Take a moment to enjoy a delicious coffee near the cloister, for a little treat in a remarkable setting.
For history buffs:
Franz Mayer, the creator of this outstanding collection, lived an eventful life and travelled extensively. Born in Germany in 1882, he lived in London and the United States, before moving to Mexico in 1905, where he assembled his collection.
Information
Location: Avenida Hidalgo, Alameda
Tel. +52 5518.2266 ext. 251, 254
Find out more: www.franzmayer.org.mx/ingles/index.html |
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Every kind of art in Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes
Every month, 15,000 visitors stroll through the innumerable galleries of this museum. It presents exhibitions about recent architecture and raises public awareness about Mexico's architectural heritage. The MPBA provides a place to reflect on modern and contemporary art, with high-quality exhibitions that call traditional concepts into question and stimulate critical reaction. The eclectic interior of this imposing building dates from 1904 and was completed in the post-revolutionary period. Numerous nationally and internationally known works are displayed there.
A little history:
The museum of fine arts is housed in an eclectic building. Construction began in 1904 and was completed after the Mexican revolution. This architectural masterpiece is like a festival of the arts, featuring theatre, dance, music — including its famous opera — the visual arts, literature and architecture. The building is in fact two museums: the Palace of Fine Arts and the architecture museum. It also contains a concert hall Manuel M. Ponce with a capacity of 2,000 spectators and murals of the great artist Siqueiros.
Information
Location: Av. Hidalgo 1, Palacio de Bellas Artes
Tel. +52 5521 9251_
Find out more: www.bellasartes.gob.mx/
http://www.planetware.com/
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An international museum for Anthropology: Museo Nacional de Antropologia
This museum is considered one of the best of its kind anywhere in the world! The national Museum of Anthropology has 26 galleries, some featuring archeology with major collections of pre-Columbian objects, and others dedicated to ethnography, with art from indigenous villages. Others are used for temporary exhibitions. With its indoor and outdoor galleries around a large central patio and many small gardens, this museum has a family atmosphere despite its commanding proportions.
One of this museum's primary objectives is to raise awareness of pre-Columbian culture and indigenous communities through exhibitions of archeology and ethnography. Anthropology is also a focus, with exhibitions, courses and guided tours. As well, this museum is internationally acclaimed for preserving, recording and restoring archeological and ethnographic collections that constitute a priceless heritage for Mexico and for world history.
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Suggested activities:
The Museum offers guided tours in both English and French. It has a library, a restaurant and many small boutiques in a shopping area where you can buy items with a connection to Mexican culture and art.
Location:
The Museo de Antropología e Historia is situated in one of the most exciting place of Mexico City. You will find there the Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM), the Museo Rufino Tamayo and the Public Hall Siqueiros. Furthermore, excellent restaurants and hotels are situated in its surrounding. Enjoy!
Information
Location: Paseo de la Reforma, calzada Gandhi, colonia Chapultepec Polanco.
Tel. +52 5553 2365 and + 52 5553 3822
Find out more:
http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/muna/mna_ing/main.html
http://www.islc.net/~lesleyl/nationalmuseum.html |
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One of the world most visited Religious place in the world: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This is something you won't want to miss under any circumstances! The Basilica of Guadalupe is the second most often-visited Catholic church in the world, attracting some 14 million visitors in 2008! The new building was built between 1974 and 1976 after the former basilica had become unsafe for the public. One hundred metres in diameter, the circular structure can accommodate up to 50,000 worshippers! It houses a painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a genuine treasure and a symbol of hope to believers.
Canada's role in the story
Canada provided wood that was used to build the dome of the basilica. As well, the magnificent organ that towers over the atrium was built by Casvavant of St-Hyacinthe, Quebec. These little touches of home will make you want to linger under the dome.
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For lovers of contemporaneous and modern arts: Museo Tamayo de Arte Contemporáneo
This museum was built in 1981 by renowned architects Teodoro González León and Abraham Zabludovsky. The multi-level structure of this enormous 4,500-square-metre building is reminiscent of pre-colonial construction. This exceptional museum houses works by contemporary artists from around the world.
Building the museum:
Planning of the museum first began in 1972, but there were numerous delays, and construction did not begin until 1979. The museum was built in just two years.
A museum at the cutting edge:
The Museo Tamayo is an avant-garde project that places Mexico City at the forefront of technology in the service of art, complete with cyber lounge. This futuristic forum has an area for net art, digital video and sound art, for children, youth and adults. Visitors can also see works by national and international contemporary artists in this unique space.
Information
Location: Paseo de la Reforma y Gandhi, Polanco
Tel. +52 866519
Find out more: www.museotamayo.org/
http://www.museumashub.org/partners/museo-tamayo
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Viva Mexican Art with Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL)
The impressive neoclassical building that houses this museum was built in the early twentieth century and subsequently adapted to accommodate collections of colonial, modern and contemporary Mexican art. It features four themes, and you'll learn as much about Mexico's history and art as about the building of a nation and aesthetic strategies for modern-day Mexico.
For art lovers:
Munal (National Museum of the Arts) plays an active role in creating educational content to promote the values of Mexican art, as well as international works and exhibitions that have a connection to it. Munal contributes to education through its publications, cultural promotions, and recreational and entertainment events. It also offers children an opportunity to develop their artistic and visual abilities by finding inspiration in Mexican art.
Information
Location: Tacuba 8, Centro
Tel. + 52 5130 3400
Find out more: www.munal.com.mx/
http://www.mexicocity-guide.com/attractions/national_art_museum.htm
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Learn about History in Museo Nacional de Historia
This museum is housed in Chapultepec castle, a neoclassical building and architectural masterpiece. The breathtakingly beautiful historical building alone is worth a trip, but it also has two floors of collections with six themes such as New Spain, the war of Independence and the evolution of modernity up to the twentieth century. The collections include paintings, sculptures, drawings engravings and prints, along with coins, historical documents, arms, accessories and household furniture from the period.
Suggested activities:
Explore the library and audiovisual collection of this fabulous museum, or take in a guided tour: there'ss one for every audience.
For history buffs:
The National History Museum is the successor to the National Museum of Archeology, History and Ethnography formerly located downtown. After the founding of the National Institute of Anthropology and History in 1939, collections belonging to the department of colonial and modern history and ethnography were included in the exhibition presented at the Chapultepec castle, the present-day National History Museum.
Information:
Location: Castillo de Chapultepec
Tel. 55 53 62 02, 55 53 62 24.
Find out more www.mnh.inah.gob.mx
http://www.planetware.com/
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Mexican Paradise in Museo Dolores Olmedo in Xochimilco
In donating her art collection to Mexico City, the museum's founder, Dolores Olmedo Patiño (1908-2002), made modern and contemporary art accessible to all. Housed in a seventeenth-century hacienda, this museum is surrounded by a fabulous garden where xoloitzcuintles (a pre-Hispanic breed of hairless dog) live among numerous indigenous species of trees. Furthermore, this museum contains one of the most complete collection of Frida Kahlo Works of art!
An added extra:
Head for the verandah: you'll find a little paradise where you can relax and enjoy tasty Mexican dishes. There's nothing like it for a different way to enjoy art and culture.
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For history buffs:
As a young woman, Dolores Olmedo was one of Diego Rivera's models. They soon developed a close relationship and together embarked on novel projects. One day, Rivera asked Olmedo to collect 12 of his best paintings. She managed to assemble 145 of Rivera's works. In the meantime, he became one of the best-known artists of the twentieth century, famous especially for his murals.
Information
Location: 5843 Avenida Mexico, La Noria, Xochimilco, Ciudad de Mexico, 16030
Tel. +52 55 555 1016
Find out more: www.museodoloresolmedo.org.mx/
http://diegorivera.com/ |
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Live your life in blue with Museo Casa Azul
You'll really discover Mexico when you visit this museum, dedicated not only to art but also to history and culture. The Casa Azul, or blue house, once belonged to the Kahlo family, and it was here that the famous artist Frida Kahlo was born. When Kahlo met Diego Rivera, he decided to buy the house and live there with her. After the death of his beloved Frida, Rivera collected many of his works at the house. Before he died, he declared that his home was to remain closed for 30 years after his death.
Three years have now passed since this little treasure trove was reopened to the public. Come and view the second exhibition to be presented there, featuring treasures found in the blue house.
For history buffs:
Did you know that Frida Kahlo had already spotted Pablo Picasso before he was famous? In a letter to Diego Rivera, while he was in Paris, she wrote that she had met a highly talented young artist named Pablo Picasso.
Information
Location: Londres 247, Col. del Carmen Coyoacán
Tel. (55)55545999
Find out more: www.museofridakahlo.org/
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Gods and Museo Templo Mayor
Located at the center of Mexico City, this museum houses a collection of art objects from around the world as well as temporary exhibitions of popular art. The layout of the Templo Mayor is associated with different gods. The southern wing of the building is dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war associated with the sun, while the north wing is the domain of Tlacoc, god of rain. Divided into eight galleries featuring various aspects of pre-colonial culture, the museum focuses on rituals, sacrifices, gods and agriculture. It's a must for anyone with an interest in mythology and history!
The Museo Templo Mayo is an impressive representation of the pre-Hispanic culture. On the other hand, the Cathedral of Mexico City is part of the European culture and architecture.
Information
Seminario # 8, Col. Centro Histórico
Tel. 542-02-56
Find out more:
http://archaeology.asu.edu/
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Teotihuacan Archeological Museum
This incredible archaeological site, located 45 kilometres from Mexico City, has much to offer. Learn more about Teotihuacan culture on this fascinating journey through time.
Information
Express lane, km 46. Mexico City-Teotihuacán, San Juan Teotihuacán
Buses leave from Bus Nord station
Find out more:
http://dti.inah.gob.mx/
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Getting around Mexico City
On foot
You have several different options for getting around Mexico City and its surrounding area. You can walk, but you'll need to resort to other means of transportation as well, since Mexico City sprawls over more than 1,479 square kilometres. Still, many of its neighbourhoods are perfect for exploring on foot.
By taxi
Taxis are great for getting from point A to point B. Make sure to take taxis that are identified by the city, since they are completely safe.
By subway
While the subway offers the advantage of getting you quickly from one neighbourhood to another, we recommend using surface routes, so you'll be able to take in all the sights.
In a rental car
If you are visiting Mexico City only, we do not recommend renting a car. The traffic makes it very hard to get around if you are not familiar with the city.
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Turibus
This is the ideal way to explore Mexico City. Turibus offers complete tours of the city. You can get off when you want to explore a neighbourhood on foot and take the next bus from the same stop. You can choose from among different tourist circuits and visit the different museums described above. Turibus covers the city's main cultural and historic sites, and your ticket is good all day. We suggest two routes: the Chapultepec Historic Centre and the south circuit, where you'll find most of the museums mentioned in this newsletter.
Find out more: www.turibus.com.mx/ |
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Accommodations in Mexico City
Three types of hotels are listed, for both business travellers on an expense account and for families or those with a limited budget. Of course, you can always go to www.visitmexico.com for more information and a complete listing of hotels of all kinds.
Four- and five-star hotels
Four Seasons Mexico DF
www.res99.com/
Camino Real Polanco Mexico City
www.res99.com/
Sheraton Centro Histórico Hotel
www.res99.com/
Meliá Mexico Reforma
www.res99.com/
Three-star hotels
NH Mexico City
www.res99.com/
Holiday Inn Downtown
www.res99.com/
Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico
www.res99.com/
Unrated
Hotel New York
www.res99.com/
Reforma Avenue Hotel
www.res99.com/
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Where to eat in Mexico City?
We selected some of the best restaurants of Mexico City to help you discover the hidden secret of the Mexican culinary tradition.
Izote
Location: Av. Presidente Masaryk, 513 Socrates
Tel. 5280 1671
http://www.gayot.com/
Pujol
Location: Francisco Petraca 254, Col. Polanco
Tel. 555-545-4111
http://www.pujol.com.mx
San Angel Inn
Location: Diego Rivera No. 50 y Altavista
Tel. +52-55-5616-1402
http://www.sanangelinn.com/#
Tezka
Location: Amberes 78, Hotel Royal
Tel. +52 5591493000
http://www.opentable.com/
Las Flores del Mal
Location: Alvaro Obregon 99, Orizaba (in the Casa Lamm), Roma
Tel. +52 55525-0678
http://www.sallybernstein.com/
Cafe Tacaba
Location: 19741 Frederick Rd, Germantown
Tel +52 301.540.8310
http://www.cafetacubarestaurant.com/
Villa Maria
Homero 704, Col. Polanco
Tel. + 52 5203-0306
http://www.villamaria.com.mx/
Contramar
Location: Durango 200, Roma
Tel. +52 55149217
http://www.contramar.com.mx
La Morena
Location: Atlixco 94, Col. Condesa
Tel. +52 5524549626
http://www.opentable.com/
Mosaico Bistro
Location: Av. Michoacán, 10
Tel. 5584 2932
http://www.gayot.com/
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PUEBLA
The state of Puebla is situated in central Mexico, in a zone of great ecological diversity. Its forests and valleys form part of one of the largest watersheds in the country.
In the capital of the state of Puebla, also known as "City of Angels," you'll be able to admire the architecture of the buildings that make up its historic core, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site. You can also visit museums that highlight the area's artistic and cultural values, as seen in handicrafts and earthenware. Be sure to sample local delicacies such as mole, peppers in walnut sauce and sweets made with marzipan, goat's milk and sweet potato.
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Museo Amparo, art in every form
Pre-Columbian art, colonial art, modern and contemporary art: you'll find it all at this museum, reputed to be the finest in the city of Puebla. Opened in 1991, this museum was created by the Amparo Association to expose all types of audiences to Mexican culture. Feel free to wander through its galleries to gain an understanding of a world beyond all imagination.
A little culture
The museum's logo is inspired by a device used by the Meso-Americans. According to some specialists, the Mexicans used this ingenious invention to track the sun's movements and determine the beginning and end of each year!
Information
Location: Calle 2 Sur 708
Tel. + 222 229 38 50
Find out more: www.museoamparo.com (Spanish version only)
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Puebla library part of UNESCO's Memory of the World program
Palafoxiana Library of Puebla (Biblioteca Palafoxiana) is the only library that faithfully documents European heritage. Its aim is to provide the broadest possible access to the information contained in its more than 41,000 books and unique manuscripts that comprise a rice collection dating from 1473 to 1821 (19,172 records). The library has been in the same building since 1646 and is the only existing example of this type of library in the Americas.
Exclusive legacy
Mexico submitted this documentary heritage and recommended it for inclusion in the Memory of the World Register in 2005. This site is now part of UNESCO's Memory of the World program to conserve and disseminate archival and library collections around the world. The importance of this unique body of documents has yet to be determined by the world's scientific community.
Information
Location: Av. Cinco Oriente 5, Heróica Puebla de Zaragoza
Find out more: http://portal.unesco.org/
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Getting around Puebla
Puebla is one of Mexico's largest cities. It's easy enough to get around Puebla, but it will take you some time.
Here again, the two best options for exploring the city are bus and taxi.
Turibus routes will take you to most of the museums and sights in the city, including those described above.
Find out more:
http://www.turibus.com.mx/
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Where to eat in Puebla?
La Fonda Santa Clara
Fonda de Santa Clara 3 Poniente 920. Col. Centro, C.P.72000,
Tel. +52 (222) 246 1919
www.fondadesantaclara.com/ |
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The Sanitary Health Warning in Mexico City Changed from Yellow to Green Level
THIRD EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF MEXICO CITY'S SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL VIGILANCE, MAY 20TH , 2009
• Epidemiological Information concerning the A H1N1 virus was analysed at the Federal District and country level.
• The sanitary health warning level changes from yellow to green.
• The preventative actions must be maintained. In case of symptoms, infected people must go directly to the nearest Health Center or Hospital.
• Security and hygiene preventive action distribution and information campaign must be maintained.
• The Committee on Health and Epidemiological Vigilance will continue to report every situation which could represent a sanitary (Health) risk for the population.
May 20th, 2009, at 11a.m.
Mexico City's Committee on Health an Epidemiological Vigilance convened to analyse the epidemiological information collected about the A H1N1 flu and its recent evolution.
During this meeting, the committee analyzed different evidentiary, epidemiological, social and economical indicators and other criteria. Thanks to this analysis, they determined :
a) Contagious cases reported and confirmed by laboratories have been decreasing in the last few days.
b) The last contagious case with A H1N1 was confirmed seven days ago in Mexico City.
c) There are no signs of contagion within the 2 million student population after returning to courses.
Following a long deliberation, the committee decided that due to the situation, it would recommend :
1- The Health alert modification from ''yellow'' to ''green'' level in order to restore the economic and social activity in Mexico City.
2- in order to preserve the results obtained previously and avoid any relapse, it will be important to continue the preventative action provided by the health authorities and insisting on the adaptation of social behaviour during the next few months
3- The committee states once again that in case of symptoms such as intense head pain, high fever, hot-cold sensations, cough, irritation of the eyes and declining state of health, it is vital to go directly to the nearest Health center or hospital.
4- Educational institutions, industrial and commercial centres, and media must constantly distribute information about preventive and hygienic actions.
Mexico City's Committee on Health an Epidemiological Vigilance will, in the future, determine the alert levels related to the A H1N1 virus presence and will report every situation representing a health risk for the population.
Government leaders have recognized the work and professionalism of the committee members. |
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This month, we propose you two traditional Mexican meals. You will enjoy tasting them.
Zucchini or round squash stuffed with squash flowers
This food is appropriate for modern eating. Besides, it is very colourful.
It is better if you can find small, round squash. Add the cream and cheese to the recipe, which adds richness and makes it a perfect vegetarian dish.
Full Story
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