Exploring the Art and Architecture of
Museo Rufino Tamayo in Mexico City
The Museo Rufino Tamayo, located in the beautiful Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park), is an amazing public museum that showcases international contemporary art in Mexico City. The collection of modern art, as well as the work of Rufino Tamayo enriches the aesthetic experience and fosters the critical sense of its viewers. The museum’s dedication to investigating and disseminating the works of its collection, is truly inspiring. So, if you’re looking for a way to expand your artistic horizons or deepen your appreciation of contemporary art and architecture, the Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo is the perfect place to visit!
the beautiful brutalist architecture of museo tamayo
Rufino Tamayo had a deep affection for his art collection and wished to have a special place for it in the first section of Bosque de Chapultepec. He summoned the renowned Mexican architects Teodoro González de León and Abraham Zabludovsky for the building project, and it resulted in a magnificent piece of art.
The Brutalist structure blends seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation through its multi-level structure that steps towards the center, creating an impression that the building sprouts from the ground. This is made possible through the incorporation of vegetated slopes, which are a fundamental part of the composition and establish a harmonious relationship with the forest. The construction mainly used reinforced concrete with white marble stones, glass, and wood for the floors. Additionally, the interior spaces are designed to create different atmospheres, illuminated with both natural and artificial light, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.
about rufino tamayo and his art collection
Rufino del Carmen Arellanes Tamayo was an exceptional Mexican painter and a vital figure in the 20th-century Mexican painting scene. Alongside the well-known “group of three” – Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco, he played a significant role in shaping Latin American art internationally. Tamayo was an active participant in the noteworthy mural movement that blossomed between the two world wars. However, his creations had a unique dimension and stood out amongst others. Due to his distinct creative will and features, his works were different from those of the group mentioned above and their followers.
Since the end of the sixties of the last century, Rufino Tamayo began to acquire works to form a collection of international contemporary art . The artist donated this collection with the aim of providing the Mexican public with an approach to 20th century art , and with the same goal, he promoted the creation of the Tamayo Museum.
In 1989, with the purpose of supporting the museum for its optimal functioning, Olga and Rufino Tamayo created the foundation that bears their names. Rufino Tamayo passed away in 1991, leaving the museum in the hands of both public and private actors, who guarantee the continuity of the project through the years.
plan your visit to Museo Tamayo
Museo Tamayo is located at Paseo de la Reforma 51, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec 1 Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11580 Ciudad de Mexico, CDMX. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 11am to 6pm. For additional info on planning your visit, and to see a list of current exhibitions, you can refer to the Museo Tamayo website.
Are you planning a trip to Mexico City? Check out my Mexico Travel Guide (below) – it’s packed with helpful tips and tricks to get you in, out, and navigate around this beautiful country. Also, be sure to stay tuned for my latest blog posts where I’ll be sharing all my adventures and more tips on finding beautiful architecture and design around the globe!
