Edificio Principal ENAH

From its perch beside the ancient Cuicuilco pyramid, the Edificio Principal ENAH has witnessed a fascinating evolution of anthropological and historical thought. The Edificio Principal ENAH isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and the pursuit of knowledge. Originally founded in 1938 as the Department of Biological Anthropology within the National Polytechnic Institute, the school’s focus shifted when it merged with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in 1942. It was then renamed the National School of Anthropology. With the addition of history studies in 1946, it became the Edificio Principal ENAH we know today. The Edificio Principal ENAH’s journey reflects its commitment to a holistic understanding of humanity. Initially, students received integrated training in all anthropological disciplines. Over time, these disciplines gained independence. However, the Edificio Principal ENAH still emphasizes the interconnectedness of these fields. This is evident in its interdisciplinary postgraduate program in Anthropological Sciences, established in 2016. The Edificio Principal ENAH has also been a hub for critical thinking and social change. In the late 1960s, it challenged established practices, like integrationist indigenism and the forced Castilianization of indigenous children. This stance led many Edificio Principal ENAH graduates to explore non-traditional career paths, working with NGOs and human rights organizations. The school’s influence extended to the design and development of social and cultural policies in post-revolutionary Mexico. Its students and faculty played key roles in the creation of the National Museum of Anthropology. The Edificio Principal ENAH’s very location is steeped in history. The school has occupied several locations throughout its existence, including the former Mint building, now the National Museum of Cultures. It also resided in the Mayorazgo de Guerrero building and the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park. Finally, in 1979, it found its current home next to the Cuicuilco pyramid. This pyramid is believed to be the oldest in the Americas. The Edificio Principal ENAH has nurtured some of Mexico’s most brilliant minds. Ten alumni have received the National Prize for Science and Arts. These include prominent figures like Eduardo Matos Moctezuma, known for his work on the Templo Mayor Project, and Margarita Nolasco Armas, a leading expert on migration and ethnography. The Edificio Principal ENAH continues to shape the future of anthropology and history. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines. It also houses the ‘Guillermo Bonfil Batalla’ library, a treasure trove of over 100,000 specialized titles. The Edificio Principal ENAH stands as a beacon of intellectual inquiry, embracing the past while shaping the future of these vital fields.