Disco Solar Sculpture

Sculpted against the sky, the Disco Solar stands as a testament to a vibrant past. Here at the Cuicuilco Archaeological Zone, this monumental sculpture dominates the landscape. The Disco Solar was created by Belgian artist Jacques Moeschal for the 1968 Olympics. It served as a symbol of the games and a welcoming beacon for athletes arriving at the Olympic Village. The sculpture is part of the Ruta de la Amistad (Route of Friendship). It represented Belgium as the eighth station on this sculptural route. The Disco Solar is a striking piece of art. Two arms rise from a rectangular base, forming a near-complete circle. These arms reach towards the sky, stopping just short of touching at the top. This almost-circle stands nearly 18 meters tall, a towering presence in this historical site. Originally, the Disco Solar overlooked an open-air theater built for the athletes. Both the theater and the sculpture have undergone several restorations. The theater was restored in 2011 along with the Disco Solar. Then in 2020, the sculpture was cleaned and restored again. This restoration was a collaborative effort. It involved the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL), the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the local government of Tlalpan, and the Belgian and German embassies. This impressive sculpture served as the symbol for the Villa Olímpica station on Metrobus line 1. It continues to stand as a reminder of the 1968 Olympics and the international collaboration that brought it to life. The Disco Solar is more than just a sculpture. It is a symbol of friendship, a testament to artistic vision, and a lasting legacy of the 1968 Olympic Games.