Palacio de Bellas Artes

A rich Art Nouveau facade offset by an opulent Art Deco interior characterizes the grandeur of one of Mexico City's most notable cultural landmarks, the Palace of Fine Arts. Radiant in its Carrara marble facade that glints under the sun, the building's resplendent dome is its zenith, a crystal-hewn structure that dazzles in ombre shades of yellow and orange. The building, built partly by architects Adamo Boari and Federico Mariscal, was envisioned as a celebratory landmark to commemorate the centenary of the Mexican War of Independence. Though plans for the building were laid as early as 1904, its construction ceased abruptly in 1913, owing to political and structural impediments. The building's construction was suspended for 20 years, only to begin again in 1932. This time, Federico Mariscal undertook the task and completed the building's construction in 1934. Since then, this revered landmark has been Mexico City's cultural nerve, having hosted everything from opera and dance to music, literature and art events in its seasoned span. Its mural-clad walls are home to the National Theater, the National Museum of Architecture and the National Institute of Fine Arts.