How long does it take to walk the Mural route in Centro Histórico?

The walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This includes walking time and about 20-40 minutes at each major stop to appreciate the artwork.

Is it free to see the murals in Mexico City?

Many murals are in public or government buildings like the SEP, which are free to enter. Museums like Bellas Artes and the Diego Rivera Mural Museum have a small entrance fee, though they are often free for residents on Sundays.

What are the 'Big Three' of Mexican Muralism?

The 'Big Three' refers to Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. They were the leading figures who established the movement after the Mexican Revolution.

Can I see Diego Rivera's murals at the National Palace?

Yes, the National Palace houses Rivera's 'History of Mexico' on its main staircase. Note that you usually need a government-issued ID to enter, and access can be restricted during official events.

Is the Muralist walking route accessible?

The route is largely flat and manageable for those with limited mobility. However, some historic buildings like the National Palace have cobblestones or stairs; always check for elevator access at the entrance.

When is the best time to see the murals?

Morning is best, starting around 10:00 AM. This ensures you have enough time to visit the government buildings like the SEP and National Palace before they close in the afternoon.

Are the murals in Mexico City worth seeing?

Absolutely. These murals are considered some of the most important artworks of the 20th century, representing a unique moment where art, politics, and history merged on a monumental scale.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Mexico City’s Centro Histórico is more than just a cluster of ancient ruins and colonial palaces; it is an expansive open-air canvas where the walls tell the story of a nation. Following the Mexican Revolution, a group of visionary artists—the 'Big Three' consisting of Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—embarked on a mission to educate the public through massive, accessible fresco paintings. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the birthplace of the Muralist movement, tracing its evolution from its early intellectual roots to the grand, political epics that define the city's identity. Your journey begins at the edge of the Alameda Central, where you will encounter one of Rivera’s most personal and nostalgic works before heading toward the architectural crown jewel of the city, the Palacio de Bellas Artes. This walking tour Mexico City offers a deep dive into the 1920s and 30s, a golden age when art was used as a tool for social change. As you navigate the bustling streets toward the Zócalo, you will discover hidden mural cycles tucked away in government courtyards and historic colleges. You will witness the stark contrast between Orozco’s somber, critical views of humanity and Rivera’s optimistic, detail-rich visions of a socialist future. This neighborhood stroll captures the vibrant energy of the historic center, leading you through baroque corridors and neoclassical halls that house some of the most significant art of the 20th century. While a guided tour Mexico City might rush you through these spaces, this independent walking route allows you to linger on the intricate details of Rivera’s 235 panels at the Department of Education or the sweeping historical narrative on the National Palace staircase. By the time you reach the final stop, you will have gained a profound understanding of how these mural masters shaped the visual soul of modern Mexico.

Highlights

Diego Rivera’s iconic 'Dream of a Sunday Afternoon' mural

The Art Deco interiors and monumental murals of Bellas Artes

The stunning 18th-century tilework of Casa de los Azulejos

The massive, 235-panel mural cycle at the Department of Education

The historic birthplace of Mexican Muralism at San Ildefonso

The grand staircase murals of the National Palace

Tour Stops (6)

Diego Rivera Mural Museum

Start your self-guided adventure at this purpose-built museum, which houses just one primary masterpiece: 'Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central.' Originally painted for the Hotel del Prado, which was destroyed in the 1985 earthquake, this massive mural was miraculously salvaged. It depicts 400 years of Mexican history through characters strolling in the park just outside these walls. Look for Rivera as a young boy holding hands with 'La Catrina'—the elegant skeleton—while his wife, Frida Kahlo, stands behind him. This work perfectly introduces the themes of identity and history that you will see throughout the day.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

This white marble masterpiece is a fusion of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Inside, the second and third floors serve as a gallery for Mexico’s greatest muralists. The standout is Rivera’s 'Man, Controller of the Universe.' Interestingly, this is a recreation of a mural Rivera originally painted for Rockefeller Center in New York, which was destroyed because it included an image of Lenin. Here, Rivera had his revenge, painting an even larger version. Opposite his work, you will find Siqueiros’ 'New Democracy' and Orozco’s 'Catharsis,' which offer much more turbulent and critical views of technology and war.

Casa de los Azulejos

While famous for its stunning 18th-century blue and white Puebla tile facade, the 'House of Tiles' holds a secret upstairs. As you head toward the restrooms or the restaurant, look at the staircase to find José Clemente Orozco’s 1925 mural, 'Omniscience.' Unlike Rivera’s busy, crowded scenes, Orozco’s work is more symbolic and somber, focusing on the female form and the power of knowledge. It is a rare opportunity to see a masterpiece in a functional, everyday setting—a cornerstone of the Muralist philosophy that art should be for everyone, not just museum-goers.

Department of Education (SEP)

This is often considered the 'Sistine Chapel' of the Muralist movement. Across two massive courtyards and three floors, Diego Rivera painted 235 fresco panels between 1923 and 1928. The ground floor, the 'Court of Labor,' depicts traditional Mexican industries like mining and farming. The 'Court of Fiestas' captures the country's vibrant festivals. As you walk the corridors, you are literally walking through the life of the Mexican people as Rivera saw them. It is one of the most comprehensive artistic projects in the world and remains a working government office today.

Former College of San Ildefonso

This beautiful colonial building is where the Muralist movement officially began in 1922. It was here that the government first commissioned artists to paint the walls of a public building. You can see Rivera’s very first mural, 'Creation,' in the amphitheater, which is heavily influenced by Byzantine and Italian Renaissance styles—quite different from his later political works. The corridors are filled with Orozco’s powerful, often dark reflections on the Revolution. This site is also famous as the place where a young Frida Kahlo first met Diego Rivera while he was working on his mural.

National Palace

The grand finale of your walk is the National Palace, the seat of the federal executive. On the main staircase, Rivera painted 'The History of Mexico,' a dizzying epic that spans from the pre-Hispanic era to the post-revolutionary future. It is a visual encyclopedia of the nation, featuring hundreds of figures including Aztecs, Conquistadors, and revolutionaries. The north wall's 'The World of Today and Tomorrow' is particularly famous for its critique of capitalism. This stop provides the ultimate summary of how the Mural Masters used art to define the spirit of a new Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Mural Masters' route is the premier self-guided walk for art enthusiasts. It covers the 'Big Three' muralists—Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros—across six iconic locations including the National Palace and Bellas Artes.