THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS
During the Porfiriato era, French architecture had a strong influence on Mexico. The architecture is inspired by the European
style, with a strong neoclassical trend and eclectic exterior colors combined with onyx.
The Palace of Fine Arts is known for its majestic iron and glass dome, designed by engineer Adamo Boari and assembled by
Mexican engineer Gonzalo Garita. The orange to light yellow exterior of the dome is designed to allow light to reflect the
bright sun. The dome is topped by a bronze sculpture flanked by four winged female figures representing drama, lyrical
drama, comedy and tragedy. The Mexican eagle in the center swallows a snake, symbolizing the founding of Tenochtitlan.
There are a total of 23 carved columns, including 2 central columns in the main portico, as well as 2 pilasters in the triple
portico and 27 columns on the sides.
The sculpture of The Symphony (Inspiration, Music and Harmony) is at the center under the name of the Palace. Music and
inspiration are the two muses that meet on the top floor of the Palace of Fine Arts. To the right of the central arch, the
sculpture "Inspiration" depicts a winged muse in a protective posture whispering into the ear of a resting woman. To the left
of the central arch is The Music, in which a winged muse plays the violin, accompanied by a man who transcribes the notes
he hears.
"Harmony" is the muse that emerges from the tympanum of the façade on the main façade of the Palace of Arts. Together
with "Music" and "Inspiration" they form the main sculptural group that is called "The Symphony", which is the work of
Leonardo Bistolfi. It is 3 meters high and 11 meters wide. Due to its weight, attaching it to the façade structure was a difficult
process. Harmony is surrounded by pain, anger and sadness, joy, peace and love on the left and love on the right. Thus, the
muse represents the balance between extreme human emotions and passions.
The Masks on the main terrace, located on the parapet of the first floor of the building, represent the seasons of the year,
Aestas (summer), followed by Autummus (autumn) and Hiems (winter) and Ver (spring). They are divided by the central
figurehead and joined together by garlands. The Masks of animals, hyenas, monkeys, goats and dogs (representing Aida,
Adamo Boari's pet) are among the figures placed in various places on the main façade. The Florons are large flowers that
decorate the exterior and interior of the Palace. Represented by the typical Mexican flora. On the main terrace of the building
there are poppies, ocotes, sunflowers and pineapple fruit. Masculinity and youth, the sculptures on either side of the main
entrance to the palace depict masculinity on the right and youth on the left.
Since its opening, the Palacio de Bellas Artes has been Mexico's premier cultural center, hosting a wide range of artistic and
cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, operas, ballets, and plays. In addition, inside there is an impressive
collection of murals painted by some of the greatest Mexican artists of the 20th century, such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro
Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco. These masterpieces of Mexican muralism depict historical, social, and cultural themes
of Mexico.
Today, the Palacio de Bellas Artes remains one of Mexico City's most important landmarks and a symbol of the country's rich
cultural heritage. In 1987, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, recognizing its architectural and historical value and
its contribution to universal culture.
It is an architectural and cultural masterpiece that is home to a rich history and numerous interesting and highlights:
1. Opera House:
It has a magnificent opera house that hosts some of the best opera, ballet, and theater productions in the world.
Famous artists and international companies have passed through its stages, making it an important cultural center
around the world.
2. Concert Hall:
It has a world-class concert hall known for its excellent acoustics and elegant design. It has hosted countless
classical, jazz, and pop concerts, which have attracted musicians and audiences from all over the world.
3. Architectural Style:
The building combines Art Nouveau and Neoclassical elements to create a unique aesthetic that reflects the era in
which it was built. Its ornate façade and architectural details make the Palacio de Bellas Artes one of the most
beautiful and emblematic buildings in Mexico City.
4. Cultural Events:
It is the center of Mexico City's cultural life, hosting various cultural events such as art exhibitions, concerts, poetry
readings, conferences, etc. This is a place where artists, intellectuals, and art lovers from all over the world gather.
5. Sculpture Garden:
The gardens of the Palace of Fine Arts include several sculptures by famous Mexican artists such as Jose Maria
Fernandez Urbina and Luis Ortiz Monasterio. These outdoor artworks add to the beauty of the building and provide
tranquil spaces for reflection and enjoyment.
The Palace of Fine Arts is more than just a building; It is a symbol of Mexico's culture, art, and history and a place that
continues to inspire and amaze its visitors.
HOTEL DE MEXICO (currently the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México)
The shopping center, located on the current 16th of September and 5th of February streets, was inaugurated on September 2,
1899, in a ceremony attended by President Díaz. Since its opening, the mall has earned a reputation as one of the largest
department stores in Latin America. It has 23 warehouses and 100 offices spread over four floors, equipped with the
technological innovations of the year, telegraphs, drainage systems and elevators brought from France. The most popular
items are located on the main and first floors, while the rest of the floors are dedicated to wholesale, furniture, and interior
design. This space is a meeting place for people of higher political and social status, where people can observe and buy
unique and innovative products or solve legal problems in different offices.
Built by Oaxacan architect Daniel Garza, the eclectic exterior and interior style of the mall building is influenced by Art
Nouveau, making it a unique place in the city. The building is built with an orthogonal floor plan and its surface area is 1800
square meters. The lobby is decorated with a large Louis XV-style lamp located at the main entrance on 16 de Septiembre
Street. The most striking feature of beauty is the skylight (which makes the building an example of Art Nouveau) and has
been compared to the skylights of two French shops; The skylight is a very important element in department stores, because
the more majestic and elegant it is, the greater its prestige.
The person responsible for the creation of the stained-glass dome was the French artist Jacques Gruber. The style of
glassware is Tiffany style, characterized using colorful and twisted floral shapes, as well as isolated threads and leaves. At the
time, it was considered one of the largest stained-glass windows in America. Another of the most beautiful elements is its
staircase and elevator, which sports elegant Art Nouveau ironwork and stained-glass windows. The origins of Mexico City's
Gran Hotel date back to 1968, when the country hosted the Olympic Games. This led the owners of the building to build a
hotel on the ruins of the old shopping mall. However, they noted that the building, which was built in the late 19th century,
was still in operation. Renovations began in 1967 and were overseen by architect Howard Johnson. All 120 rooms and the
stairs in the center were renovated. In 1968 it was opened as Gran Hotel Ciudad de México. It became one of the most
luxurious hotels in Mexico and a meeting place for film and music celebrities such as Cantinflas, María Félix, Agustín Lara
and Pedro Vargas.
The building has a neoclassical façade, decorative details, and an impressive marble entrance. The building has an impressive
marble entrance, a wide staircase, and a central atrium that gives it a sense of grandeur and opulence. The interior of the hotel
is beautifully decorated, combining European elements and Mexican style. An important feature of the hotel is its stunning
Tiffany-style-stained glass windows, designed in 1908 by Frenchman Jacques Gruber. The Grand Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is
considered one of the four largest hotels in the world and remains one of the most prestigious. The Art Nouveau design stands
out for its exquisite stained-glass windows, ironwork and very elaborate balustrades, as well as its robust Romanesque
columns. The staircase has a regal style that gives it a unique majesty, while the ornate facades project an image of grandeur
and luxury.
It has an excellent location in the historic center of Mexico City, in front of the Zócalo and the National Palace. This central
location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's historical and cultural attractions. Hotel Mexico is recognized as a
cultural heritage of Mexico City due to its architectural and historical value. It has been meticulously restored and preserved
to preserve its original splendor and cultural significance for future generations. It is the filming location of many national
and foreign films and film productions. Its architecture and historic atmosphere make it the perfect place to capture the
beauty and charm of 19th-century Mexico.
It also offers an excellent dining experience in its restaurants and cafes. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Mexico City
while enjoying delicious meals on terraces and balconies.
EL PALACIO DE HIERRO
The Palacio de Hierro building was located in Callejuela (currently 20 de noviembre), Monterilla (currently 5 de febrero) and
San Bernardo (currently 5 de febrero) currently between the streets of Venustiano Carranza
Joseph Tron and Joseph Leato, two young Frenchmen with business acumen who arrived in Mexico during the first year of
Maximilian's reign, founded this legendary firm. They worked at the clothing store The Factories of France until 1876, when
they bought it. Together with Tron's brothers, Gilles and Henri, they later formed a trading company: J. Tron & Co.
In 1888, the company sold Las Fábrica de Francia to open the first department store in Mexico: El Palacio de Hierro.
The iron and steel structure inside lived up to its name, and its fame skyrocketed. However, tragedy struck in 1914, during the
preparation for a sideboard and float contest, an electrical connection failed, and a fire broke out. It immediately consumed
innumerable fabrics and affected the iron frame and the rest of the construction. The structural damage was so profound, it
had to be remodeled. This was done by the architect Paul Dubois, who erected a splendid new building, full of Art Deco and
Art Nouveau elements
The five floors of the Iron Palace were built according to Gustave Eiffel's guidelines. The project lasted three years, during
which legend has it that the Iron Castle was built, hence the name. However, the name was decided before construction, so
the legend is just a publicity stunt. In 1921, when Mexico was moving toward peace and stability, Tron found the conditions
to restore the building. Architect Paul Dubois was hired to reconstruct the building with Art Deco elements. Unlike the first
building, the new castle has a steel structure that blends in with the buildings abandoned by the fire.
Features of the new building include a stained-glass covered terrace designed by Jacques Gruber, as well as a new entrance
and staircase design.
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