WUNDERLUSTRE

The Art Deco Legacy of mexico city's
Avenida Amsterdam

From streamlined facades to historic residences, discover why Avenida Amsterdam is a showcase for Art Deco Architecture

If you’ve never visited Mexico City, you probably already have a picture in your mind of endless traffic, crowded streets, blaring horns, and a haze of smog hanging over one of the largest urban centers on the planet.  But beyond the bustle lies a city rich in culture, history, and beauty. Amid the energy of this vast metropolis are unexpected pockets of tranquility, leafy parks, elegant boulevards, and neighborhoods that invite you to slow down and savor the moment.

Most visitors fall in love with Mexico City in the enchanting Colonia (neighborhood) of La Condesa.  The tree lined pathways are pedestrian friendly, and full of beautiful architecture, world class restaurants, cafes and independent local boutiques to explore.  This area is a must-see haven for Art Deco enthusiasts as the streets are adorned with elegant, curved facades and intricate geometric motifs of the 1920’s, where every corner reveals a new architectural gem.  Avenida Amsterdam, at the heart of Condesa, is one of the best places to explore Art Deco architecture in Mexico City.  This Hippodromo is a former racetrack turned leafy promenade, drawing admirers of design, history, and vibrant local life.

History of La Condesa

La Condesa gets its name from the Countess María Magdalena Dávalos de Bracamontes y Orozco, who once owned the land that now includes the tourist friendly neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma, and Hipódromo.  The Countess was known as a prominent and educated figure at the viceregal court in the 18th century.  

During the early 1900s, Mexico City’s Jockey Club bought 300,000 square meters of land from The Countess to build a horse racetrack. The racetrack was only used for a short time as the Mexican Revolution soon interrupted these plans.  As the racetrack sat unused, The Jockey Club agreed to divide, develop, and sell the land where the racetrack had been.  The area was then used to build homes in the new colonia, aiming to attract Mexico City’s upper class. These residents could afford top landscape architects and city planners, and they wanted wide streets, tree-lined avenues, and large public parks. Architect José Luis Cuevas led the project, designing a dynamic layout along the oval shape of the Hipódromo, now called Avenida Amsterdam.

The birth of Art Deco in Mexico

Art Deco in Mexico flourished in the 1920s and 1930s as the country rapidly modernized following the Mexican Revolution. Architects didn’t just copy international trends, but mixed sleek geometry with vibrant Aztec and Mayan motifs.  The result is a striking original style that celebrates both Mexico’s spirit and its rich ancient heritage.

Most of the residential neighborhood along Avenida Amsterdam was originally designed by architects José Luis Cuevas, Juan Segura, and Francisco J. Serano in the architectural style of Art Deco. The style quickly became synonymous with the city’s transformation into a cosmopolitan capital, spreading across residential, commercial, and public buildings. Cuevas kept the original loop of the racetrack but transformed it into an avenue with a center promenade and three roundabouts featuring fountains along its path.  You will find Mexican/Deco tiled concrete benches with a lamppost at each intersection, creating a soft glow in the evenings.  Strolling down the avenue, you’ll spot terrazzo stone, bold geometric patterns, vibrant stained glass, and striking ironwork that tie the whole neighborhood together in Art Deco harmony.  The path is surrounded by a lush canopy of vegetation, filtered sunlight, and a tranquil atmosphere that makes strolling the avenue a memorable experience.

Art Deco Street Sign Avenida Amsterdam, Mexico City

 

In the center of the Amsterdam promenade sits Parque México, surrounded by beautiful Art Deco buildings, perfectly mirroring the geometric motifs and classic design features of the neighborhood. Within the park you’ll find the bronze and stone Fuente de los Cántaros, an open air amphitheater with geometric pillars covered in bougainvillea plants, and the iconic Clock Tower with its signature ironwork and chimes sitting next to a dog park.  Parque Mexico has now become the defining element of the entire Condesa area.  

Even after withstanding some of the most devastating earthquakes the capital has ever experienced, some of the best examples of this Art Deco Architecture still stand in Hipódromo.  Their carefully preserved details, rich history, and adaptive reuse demonstrate how historic architecture can remain relevant while continuing to enrich the cultural identity of a city. For architecture enthusiasts, these buildings are more than beautiful landmarks, they are enduring symbols of an era defined by innovation, elegance, and artistic ambition.

Current Day Avenida Amsterdam

In modern times Avenida Amsterdam seamlessly blends Art Deco architectural heritage with a vibrant, modern lifestyle, retaining its historic pedestrian layout while hosting boutique cafes, galleries, and urban green spaces.  On any given day you will see locals and tourists enjoying the promenade by taking a leisurely stroll, walking their perros and sipping their daily coffee.

A few of the original Deco buildings have been demolished and replaced with a variety of modern architecture due to the city’s history of earthquakes. However, there has recently been a recent surge of revitalization in the area to commemorate 100 years since the birth of the residential project.  The government is currently restoring the iconic 1920s-era Mexican/Deco tiled concrete benches and lamp posts along Avenida Amsterdam to preserve their unique Art Deco charm.

A walk along Avenida Amsterdam is a journey through one of Mexico City’s most influential periods of growth and design. From elegant apartment buildings to beautifully preserved Art Deco landmarks, the avenue showcases the creativity, innovation, and sophistication that shaped the neighborhood nearly a century ago. As you explore these historic streets, you’ll not only discover remarkable architecture but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage and enduring character that make this area of Mexico City so unique.

Notable buildings to explore....

The Basurto Building  

At 187 Avenida Mexico is an Art Deco building reminiscent of Parisian Deco which is noted for its use of curved and straight lines in its form. It was built on irregularly shaped land which used to be the garden of a man named Basurto. The structure was designed by Serrano on Avenida México with a view of Parque Mexico and the Popocatepetl Plaza fountain.  A recent renovation has returned the building to its former glory.

The Hipódromo Building 

87 Avenida México An apartment building constructed in 1929 as part of the change to a residential neighborhood, remains one of the most beautiful examples of Art Deco architecture in this area, featuring broad window panes, cantera stone balconies on the first floor, and a marble lobby. 

 

Edificio Casas Jardines 

Amsterdam 285 Located on a busy corner across from modern day Starbucks, this building is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the neighborhood. Completed in 1930, it was designed by engineer Francisco Serrano for the real estate company Casas Jardines SA. It is a three-story residential building with commercial spaces on the ground floor and a landscaped terrace that serves as a common area. Architectural details such as the interplay of volumes and textures on the facade, the splayed entrance with a canopy, and the bay windows or projecting windows topped with nature-inspired friezes stand out.

 

Edificio Tehuacán

Avenida México 188 Built in 1937 by architect Ernesto Ignacio Buenrostro, Edificio Tehuacán is a classic example of Art Deco architecture in the Hipódromo neighborhood. Originally a 14-story apartment building, it features geometric façade details, a distinctive marquee, and elegant iron lamps framing its entrance. Today, the building has been transformed into the Hipódromo Hotel, where visitors can experience its historic charm alongside modern comforts.

Edificio San Martín

Avenida México 167 Edificio San Martín was designed by Ernesto Ignacio Buenrostro and completed in 1931. Known for its striking symmetry, decorative concrete reliefs, and intricate ironwork, the building remains a standout example of Art Deco design. After falling into disuse in the 1940s, it was carefully restored and renovated in 1999, preserving its architectural heritage for future generations.

Are you planning a trip to Mexico City? Check out my Mexico Travel Guide and 4 Days in Mexico City Local Itinerary – they’re both packed with helpful tips and tricks to get you in, out, and navigate your way around. 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!