Ever wonder about the stories shoes could tell? The Museo del Calzado El Borceguí invites you to step into a world of footwear history. It is a unique museum located inside the famous El Borceguí shoe store. The store has been operating since 1865.
José Villamayor Castro a shoe businessman founded the Museo del Calzado El Borceguí in 1991. He wanted to honor his father. The museum aims to promote research into footwear. It also explores orthopedics through disciplines like anthropology history science and art.
Inside the Museo del Calzado El Borceguí you will find over 2000 shoes in natural size. There are also 15000 miniature shoes. The collection showcases the evolution of footwear. It includes shoes from ancient Egypt to modern-day celebrities.
The Museo del Calzado El Borceguí is divided into six sections. One section displays historical footwear including early strapped soles. These basic designs come from various cultures. Another exhibit features Chinese lotus shoes worn by women who bound their feet. You can also view the first heels of Louis XV of France.
The museum also boasts an impressive collection of celebrity shoes. See Magic Johnson’s size 14½ basketball shoes. Admire Mexican film diva María Félix’s boots. Marvel at Neil Armstrong’s lunar boots.
Don’t miss the three slippers of Queen Elizabeth II decorated with crowns. Perhaps the most touching exhibit features the booties worn by Frida the rescue dog. She helped locate survivors after the 2017 earthquake. Frida wore four booties during her heroic work.
The Museo del Calzado El Borceguí also displays sandals collected from all over Mexico. These sandals represent the diverse footwear traditions of the country. An Egyptian sandal from the third century is also part of the historical collection.
El Borceguí the shoe store itself is worth a visit. It displays historical pieces from when it opened in 1865. The store’s slogan is “For a great city a great shoe store.”
Visiting the Museo del Calzado El Borceguí is free. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturdays it is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Step inside this museum to walk through the fascinating history of shoes. The Museo del Calzado El Borceguí offers a unique perspective on culture and history.