DK Travel : Mexico City : History & Culture

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Acatitlán

One of the few intact pyramid temples in Mexico.
Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso

Originally built by Jesuit friars in 1588, the property was seized by the Spanish in 1767. After independence it became a National Preparatory School. Elected president in 1920, the reformist Álvaro Obregón wanted art to mend the country and by 1922 muralists were hired to decorate the interior walls. Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco painted some of the best examples of Mexico’s muralist movement here (see Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso ).
Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso

In 1922, to heal political wounds through art, young artists such as Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco, were hired to paint murals on the walls of the school. However, some citizens did not agree with their leftist ideals (see Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso ).
Artistic Syndicate

The Revolutionary Syndicate of Technical Workers, Painters, and Sculptors was formed in 1922 with the intent to focus on public art, rather than easel painting.
Aztec Empire

The Aztecs arrived from the north, initially as mercenaries and workers. Around 1325 their god Huitzilopochtli advised them to settle where they found an eagle on a cactus devouring a snake. This they observed in Tenochtitlán. The Aztecs were ruthless fighters and by the 1420s controlled the beautiful and extensive city. They developed a firm hierarchy with an emperor, and their conquests spread to the east and south.
Benito Juárez (1806–72)

The most loved president, he restored the republic and modernized Mexico.
Casa de la Primera Imprenta de América

Constructed in 1524, the first printing press in the Americas was installed here in 1534 by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza. Today, the house displays a model of the press and hosts temporary exhibits.
Casa de los Azulejos

One of José Clemente Orozco’s best known murals, the 1925 Omniciencia, adorns the staircase of this building, now a Sanborns restaurant. One of his earlier works, it is painted in subdued tones of gold and brown (see Casa de los Azulejos ).
Castillo de Chapultepec

In 1841 the building was repaired and adapted for use as a military academy. The last battle of the US invasion of Mexico in 1847 was fought here (see Castillo de Chapultepec ).
Castillo de Chapultepec

On the first floor is the Museo Nacional de Historia which showcases excellent murals featuring aspects of Mexican history by famous muralists. Juan O’Gorman’s Retablo de la Independencia, José Clemente Orozco’s mural of Benito Juárez, and David Alfaro Siqueiros’ satiric image of Porfirio Díaz are a few of the best ones (see Museo Nacional de Historia ).