Palacio de Bellas Artes

Overview

Palacio de Bellas Artes is Mexico City's premier performing arts centre and art museum, crowned by an Art Deco interior within an Art Nouveau marble shell. The building took 30 years to complete (1904-1934).

Highlights

• Murals: Monumental works by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, and Rufino Tamayo.
• Tiffany glass curtain: A one-million-piece stained-glass curtain depicting the Valley of Mexico's twin volcanoes.
• Architecture: Italian architect Adamo Boari blended Carrara marble, bronze, and Art Nouveau ironwork on the exterior.

History

Commissioned by President Porfirio Díaz in 1904, construction was interrupted by the Mexican Revolution. Federico Mariscal completed the Art Deco interiors in 1934.

Visitor Tips

• Ballet Folklórico: Book tickets for the Wednesday or Sunday show.
• Free Sundays: Museum admission is free on Sundays.
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours (museum), plus performance time.