Palacio de Bellas Artes:
This theater was constructed during the Porfiriato (One of my favorite periods to study in Mexican History) under the order of Porfirio Diaz himself who wanted to europeanize the city. The project was suspended when the Mexican Revolution began and Porfirio Diaz fled the country. Several years later the project was completed and it stands today in center of the city as a symbol of Mexico's rich culture.
This is a very touristy place, since its right in the center of the city, but what many people don't know is that 1) you can get a free tour of Bellas Artes where you learn the history of the palace and get to see the 10 ton gold theater curtain in the action! and 2) Bellas Artes is home to some of the most popular murals by Mexican Artists which you can see! (Except on Mondays because the upper levels are closed off to the public. I learned that the hard way). So anyway, Bellas Artes is also where my favorite Diego Rivera painting is! Ok back to this 10 ton curtain because I'm sure you are wondering how the hell it goes up. Well for starters, it does not roll up, instead they store it in an upper section above the theater itself. Here is the most amazing thing, the 10 tons of plated gold move up to reveal the stage in complete silence! Pretty amazing to see it in action. Some other interesting facts: It was made by Tiffany Co in New York, shipped to Mexico City in parts, and was latter assembled and put together in the theater itself. Beautiful place to visit, especially if your into art.
Left to Right: Palacio de Bellas Artes from the Outside and The gold curtain. The painting on it is the two famous volcanoes in the valley of Mexico, popocatepetl and iztaccihuatl
Plaza de las Tres Culturas:
This place is the historical site of yet another one of my favorite events to study in Mexican History. In 1968 the students from the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) organized several demonstrations to demand an end to government corruption. The students believed their voices would be heard worldwide since the Mexico was preparing to host the Olympics and was the center of attention in world news.
On October 2, 1968 the students gathered at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas where they would begin their march to the Zocalo in efforts to change their country for the better. Instead of bringing change to the country the demonstration only allowed the government to once again show just how powerful and corrupt it was. On the day of the demonstration, the Granaderos (basically Mexican SWAT) closed off all the exits to the plaza and shot down every student present. Interlopers assisted by pointing out the leaders of the government.
No ambulances were allowed into the plaza and people living in nearby apartments were given orders to not allow the students inside their homes. Within hours of the massacre the police cleaned up their mess and argued nothing had happened that day. The newspapers, radio and and broadcasting stations made no mention of the events Students disappeared without a trace and the government gave the families no information as to where their children were being kept and tortured.
In the 1990's a memorial is installed in the plaza with the names of only a few students that died that horrible day. Many students from the movement say that the memorial wasn't a sign of regret from the government but a rather a slap on the face since the government has never actually admitted their wrong doings. I visited the Plaza thinking that it was going to be well taken care of and maintained. Nope. The plaza is actually very dirty and looks almost forgotten, just the way the government wants it. Very few tourist visit, but if you get lucky (like I did) you might run into people that claim to have been present the day of the massacre. They might be lying or telling the truth but in any case they do a great job in explaining the horror of the 1968 student massacre.
Museo de Diego Rivera:
Contrary to its name, the museum is not really about Diego Rivera and it was not his home but it did, however, serve as studio for the famous Mexican muralist. The four story building is where Diego Rivera kept thousands of artifacts he had personally collected belonging to several of the pre-columbian civilizations of Mexico. Diego Rivera was one of the first people in Mexico to demonstrate an interest in the pre colonial history of the country and one of the first collectors in Mexico.
The house itself, which could very well be considered a temple, was built in honor of the Aztec rain god Tlaloc. All throughout the house there are several references to the nahuat culture including serpents and Aztec gods. The house is surrounded by several natural spring and wells that once provided the home with its water supply. In the third level, there are several mural sketches as well as actual finished projects by Rivera. Its amazing to see just how much this muralist was influenced by the history of the world and how connected he felt to his county's past. The visit definitely made me appreciate him more as an artist and as a historian.
Top Row: The outside of the Casa de Diego Rivera, and some huge head outside (me with my dad)
Bottom Row: Some of the artifacts that Diego Rivera collected and a mosaic in one of the rooms that demonstrates Diego's communist ideals.
Caza Azul - Casa de Frida Kahlo
This was actually my least favorite place. It was nice to see where the famous Frida Kahlo lived, where she painted, and to see just how much her accident affected her. There are several paintings in the house, a large garden, a full studio, and several items that were important in the life of the artist. One of the coolest things was the bed with the mirror on top that she used to paint right after her accident. Several posters and books in the house show just how much she wanted to have children. Vogue also saw her as one of the most beautiful women of Mexico. I must say, I dont think she was a very petty women but being in her home and seeing her passion for life and art really changed my perspective on her. Some pictures in the house actually make her seem like a gorgeous woman! It was a nice experience but not very much to look at.
P.S Like Diego, Frida made her support of communist very public.
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