Ever wonder about the secrets held within seemingly ordinary walls? Here at Museo Casa del Risco, history and art intertwine to tell a fascinating tale. This isn’t just a museum. It’s a journey through time.
Museo Casa del Risco stands proudly in the San Ángel neighborhood. It is a testament to Mexico City’s rich cultural heritage. Isidro Fabela and his wife Josefina donated this historical building. It became a public museum of colonial art on October 2, 1963.
Look at the Vice Royal architecture. Admire the symmetrical façade of Museo Casa del Risco. Notice the unique color. It is a signature of the 18th century. A cross and a niche adorn the building. They symbolize the moon and the sun guarding this special place.
Step inside Museo Casa del Risco. Discover the art collection of Isidro Fabela. Seven showrooms display Mexican and European masterpieces. Paintings and sculptures offer a glimpse into different artistic styles.
Don’t miss the monumental Fuente del Risco in the interior courtyard. This fountain dates back to the 18th century. Its creator remains unknown. The library nearby houses Isidro’s personal book collection. It also holds the historical archive of the Mexican Revolution. The photographic library and an auditorium enrich the cultural experience.
Museo Casa del Risco has witnessed significant historical events. Its location in San Ángel placed it at the heart of military events. During the American invasion of Mexico 1846 to 1848, the house played a role. Writer Manuel Payno recounted that General Antonio López de Santa Anna stayed here. American General David Twiggs later used Casa del Risco as his military headquarters.
The museum showcases a temporal collection. Works by artists like Julia López, Francisca de Diego, and Mercedes Ortiz Vaquero are displayed. Each artist brings a unique perspective. Mercedes Ortiz Vaquero uses shape, volume, texture, and color to create captivating pieces. Francisca de Diego’s paintings burst with color and depict family life.
Explore the Religious European Art Showroom. It features art from the 15th through 17th centuries. Works by Corneliszen Van Oonstanen, David Tenniers, and Francisco Francia are highlights. The Baroque Showroom reflects the vice-royal Mexican culture. It embodies the desire to display privileged status. Isidro Fabela and his wife carefully assembled this collection. It enlivens Museo Casa del Risco.
Before becoming the Museo Casa del Risco, this 18th-century monument served different purposes. It was a convent for Dominican and Carmelite friars in the 16th century. Later, it became a barracks for American troops. It even served as a hospital during the War of Intervention.
Isidro Fabela acquired the property in 1933. He restored it. The house boasts a distinctive white facade with an “Indian red” hue. This color is characteristic of the 18th century. The house features two stories, iron balconies and a lookout point. Inside, a grand staircase is adorned with oracles. Rooms surround the central patio which now serves as an exhibition hall. Gargoyles decorate the rooftop and the first floor.
The Fuente del Risco stands over 8 meters tall. It is a treasure of Mexican art. The fountain is crafted with pieces of shell, mother-of-pearl, tile, porcelain and dishes. These materials came from China. The broken pieces used in its construction are called “riscos.” These give the Museo Casa del Risco its name.
The museum has seven permanent exhibition halls. They feature Mexican Baroque art, European landscapes, and portraits. The dining room and Isidro Fabela’s study remain intact. These rooms offer a glimpse into the lives of the Fabela family.
As you leave Museo Casa del Risco, reflect on the layers of history and art you’ve encountered. The Museo Casa del Risco is more than just a building. It is a living testament to Mexico City’s vibrant past.