Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Late Mexican painter Diego Rivera is best known for his work advancing Mexican muralism, one of the most politically charged art movements of the 20th century. But he was also an avid collector of pre-Columbian art, urged by a need to protect his ancestors creative output. The Anahuacalli Museum, whose name means “house surrounded by water,” is located in the southern edge of Mexico City. It houses Rivera’s expansive collection, honoring both the artist’s vision and Mexico’s cultural legacy.
The main building of the Anahuacalli Museum was also designed by Rivera, serving as further proof of the many facets of his artistry. Made of volcanic stone, its unique structure mixes Teotihuacan and Mayan building techniques with Rivera’s distinctive vision. Even the building’s ceiling panels are works of art themselves, showcasing Rivera’s experiments, which blended art with architecture.
Brought to life in collaboration with his daughter, architect Ruth Rivera, and fellow artist and renaissance man Juan O’Gorman, the Anahuacalli Museum opened its doors on September 18, 1964. Across its 23 galleries, visitors can take in the 2,500 pieces from a collection of 60,000 artifacts.
Rather than simply presenting this assortment like an archaeology exhibit, the museum aims to create an artistic experience, reminding the public about the merit of the works beyond their historical context. “I am returning to the people whatever I was able to salvage from their ancestors’ artistic legacy,” Rivera has said about his collection.
In addition to his personal collection, the museum holds some of Rivera’s own sketches, allowing visitors to take a peek inside the artist’s creative process and vision on a scale that’s almost opposite to that of his towering murals. The museum also welcomes temporary contemporary art exhibits, establishing a creative dialogue between the past and the present.
If you’re ever in Mexico City, the museum is located at Museo 150, San Pablo Tepetlapa, Coyoacán, and opens from Tuesday through Sunday, except for holidays. To learn more and plan your visit, check out Anahuacalli Museum’s website.
The Anahuacalli Museum, in Mexico City, houses Diego Rivera’s expansive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, honoring both his artistic vision and Mexico’s cultural legacy.
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli. © D. R. Bank of Mexico, trustee in the Trust related to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli. © D. R. Bank of Mexico, trustee in the Trust related to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli. © D. R. Bank of Mexico, trustee in the Trust related to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli. © D. R. Bank of Mexico, trustee in the Trust related to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli
