“Too brown?” Matilde once asked about her newborn daughter Antonieta. But Antonieta Rivas Mercado grew up to become one of Mexico’s most influential cultural figures. Today, we stand before Casa Rivas Mercado. It is her childhood home and a museum in Mexico City.
Casa Rivas Mercado is more than just a building. It is a portal into the past. It represents 19th-century eclectic architecture. Antonio Rivas Mercado designed and built this house. He is also known for creating the Angel of Independence. Construction began in 1893 and took four years.
Imagine the sensation Casa Rivas Mercado caused in Colonia Guerrero. It became home to intellectuals, architects, painters, and writers. They often gathered here for meals and discussions.
Step inside and admire the antiques. See the paintings, books, and decorative items. Antonieta Rivas Mercado grew up surrounded by arts and culture. She was fluent in French and English. Antonieta had access to an education few women had at the time.
Notice the seven types of quarry stone used in the construction of Casa Rivas Mercado. Admire the Doric columns and Arabesque stairs. The house features Renaissance balustrades. It truly is an architectural laboratory. A mixture of styles and elements create its unique charm.
From the terrace, you can enjoy a stunning view of Mexico City. This was once the architect’s studio. The pergola and columns with Mayan motifs surround you. Some of these are original.
After Antonio Rivas Mercado died in 1927, his daughter Alicia inherited Casa Rivas Mercado. She lived here until 1936. Alicia then donated it to the Church. It later became a school. For sixty years, another family owned it. Then it was abandoned for twenty years.
Look closely at the materials Rivas Mercado chose. He used both imported and domestic materials. Classic elements abound including Doric columns in the front gallery. Renaissance balustrades adorn the terraces. The pediment sits above the main entrance.
Elements of pre-Hispanic design decorate the terrace pilasters of Casa Rivas Mercado. Moorish motifs inspire the tiles. They appear in the friezes of the facades. You can see Victorian influences in the doors and windows. Of course, there is some art nouveau.
Don’t miss the encaustic mosaics from England. There are about 50,000 tiles in about 90 different designs. These should leave you speechless.
Casa Rivas Mercado opened its doors as a museum in May 2017. Over 20,000 geometric and encaustic floor tiles were replaced. Craftsmen used a mix of original and replacement tiles.
Tragically, Antonieta Rivas Mercado took her own life in Notre Dame in Paris. She used her lover’s weapon. Despite her tragic end, her legacy lives on through her contributions to Mexican culture and Casa Rivas Mercado.
Today, Casa Rivas Mercado stands as a cultural center and architectural museum. It offers guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays. These tours reveal the history of the people who lived here. You will learn about the restoration. It is truly an astounding house to visit. A treasure for all.