Mexico City's foremost centre for the arts offers stunning paintings and musical performances in a beautiful Art Nouveau building.
The glass dome above you as you walk into the Main Hall of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) bathes the room in natural light. This room is also home to a number of sculptures of Mayan gods.The building was constructed in 1934 and has become well-known for its Art Nouveau arched domes and marble columns. Chamber music recitals, ballets and folk music performances are regularly held in the palace's theatre, while a fine art collection can be found on the upper floors.Check out the Nacimiento de la Nacionalidad (Birth of the Nationality) by Rufino Tamayo. This mural is painted in tribute to Mexico's many citizens and includes family histories spanning a number of different cultures. Probably the most celebrated piece on show here is El Hombre En El Cruce de Caminos (The Man at the Crossroads). This mural was commissioned by the Rockefeller Centre in New York, but its depiction of the Communist revolutionary Vladimir Ilyich Lenin lead to it being rejected. The original piece was destroyed, but the artist Diego Rivera recreated the striking image here from photographs.After enjoying the art during the day, come back in the evening for a live performance. The stylish Art Deco theatre hosts international and Mexican operas, along with classical music, dance, and traditional Mexican folk music performances. The stage curtain in the theatre is a wonder – it is made of almost one million pieces of coloured glass and includes a depiction of the Valley of Mexico. Created by Tiffany’s of New York, you can gaze at it on one of the free guided tours which take place every day.Found in the historic heart of Mexico City, the palace is easily reached by underground, taxi, or on foot. The tour takes roughly one or two hours, and entrance is free of charge. The palace is open daily, except on Mondays. There are a number of restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance.
