“A la que nos amó antes de conocernos.” This inscription marks the Monumento a la Madre. It translates to “To the one who loved us before knowing us”. The Monumento a la Madre stands as a heartfelt tribute. It honors Mexican mothers.
The idea emerged in 1922. José Vasconcelos and Rafael Alducín wanted to pay tribute to mothers. They set the date for May 10th. In 1944, President Manuel Ávila Camacho laid the first stone. This marked the beginning of the Monumento a la Madre. Miguel Alemán Valdés inaugurated it on May 10, 1949.
José Villagrán García completed the architectural work. Luis Ortiz Monasterio designed the sculptures. He won a contest held by Excélsior in 1948. The Monumento a la Madre is in the Garden of Art. It sits between Sullivan, Villalongín, and Avenida de los Insurgentes. This divides the Cuauhtémoc and San Rafael colonies.
The Monumento a la Madre features three sculptures. An indigenous man writes. An indigenous woman holds an ear of corn. This symbolizes fertility. A mother holds a child.
The central sculpture collapsed in the 2017 earthquake. It had a magnitude of 7.1. The government of Mexico City reopened the Monumento a la Madre. This was on November 21, 2018. Architect Gabriel Mérigo carried out the project.
The Monumento a la Madre suffered great damage. The central figure was almost completely destroyed. The state intervened to restore it. Gabriel Mérigo used original pieces. He based his work on models of the volume. He restored the Monumento a la Madre to its former glory.
The Monumento a la Madre now has another inscription. It reads “Porque su maternidad fue voluntaria”. This translates to “Because her motherhood was voluntary”. It was added in 1991.
The Monumento a la Madre is near other historical landmarks. These include Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. Also nearby is the Monumento al Honorable Pueblo de México. Don’t forget the Monument to Cuauhtémoc.
You can reach the Monumento a la Madre easily. Take the Metro Line 1 to Insurgentes station. Many buses pass through Avenida Insurgentes. Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient options.
Visiting the Monumento a la Madre offers reflection. It highlights mothers’ vital role in society. The monument is popular on Mother’s Day. Families gather to honor matriarchs. They bring flowers and heartfelt tributes.
The Monumento a la Madre is more than sightseeing. It’s a chance to appreciate maternal love. It’s a reminder of resilience. It embodies the enduring spirit of motherhood. It stands as a must-visit in Mexico City.