A colossal woman rises before you. This is the Mujer Chimenea. She’s not just any sculpture. She’s a testament to imagination resourcefulness and a touch of urban legend.
The Mujer Chimenea stands 100 meters tall. That’s taller than most buildings. She was created by artist Gabriel Macotela. He transformed a former cement factory chimney into a work of art. The factory itself the Tolteca Cement Factory closed in 1986. Its massive chimney remained a lonely industrial relic.
Then Isaac Masri a cultural promoter had a brilliant idea. He proposed transforming the chimney into a public art piece. He convinced Andrés Manuel López Obrador then-Head of Government to commission a monumental sculpture. Macotela was chosen. He agreed to create the art for free. “No problem” he said “I’ve never done anything like this before!”
The plan was ambitious. A lake a park an open-air theater and an arts and crafts school would surround the sculpture. It was meant to be a vibrant community space. But the dream didn’t fully materialize. The land’s owners Grupo Copri refused to cooperate. The government didn’t fight for access to the art. The project was scaled down.
The Mujer Chimenea cost 22 million pesos. The funds came from the Mexico City’s Department of Culture Grupo Copri and private donations. UNAM and IPN engineers helped construct the sculpture. It’s made of copper a material that doesn’t rust requiring no maintenance. Alejandro Encinas inaugurated it in 2006.
Today the Mujer Chimenea is surrounded by private residences. It’s part of the Toltecas 166 residential complex also called Parque San Antonio. But the “park” is small. Just some shrubs. The artist regrets that the surrounding area didn’t transform into a community space. He calls the situation an “abuse” to those living in the badly built apartments.
Access to the sculpture is limited. You can see her from Periférico Boulevard. Or you can visit the nearby Bioparque San Antonio. That’s another failed public space. Its facilities are abandoned. But at least you can enjoy the green spaces and admire the magnificent Mujer Chimenea. She’s a powerful symbol. Even amidst the urban sprawl. She stands tall a testament to art’s enduring spirit. She’s a reminder of a vision only partly realized. Yet her presence is undeniable. A unique symbol of Mexico City’s complex and captivating history.