Diego Rivera's Pre-Hispanic Art Dream Turns 60: Anahuacalli Museum
Mexico City's Anahuacalli Museum, Diego Rivera's vision for preserving pre-Hispanic art, marks its 60th anniversary. The pyramid-shaped structure houses 60,000 artifacts and embodies Mexica worldview.
The Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City, a testament to Diego Rivera's passion for pre-Hispanic art, celebrates its 60th anniversary this month. This unique institution, housing 60,000 archaeological pieces, embodies the renowned Mexican artist's dream of creating a sacred space to preserve and showcase his lifelong collection.
Rivera, born in 1886, was a prominent figure in the Mexican Mural Movement. His fascination with pre-Columbian culture led him to amass over 50,000 artifacts during his lifetime. The museum's design, resembling a Mesoamerican pyramid, reflects this deep connection to Mexico's ancient heritage.
The Anahuacalli's architecture is a deliberate homage to the Mexica worldview. Its three levels represent the underworld, earthly realm, and celestial sphere, each with distinct atmospheres. The structure, built with volcanic rock, harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings in an ecological reserve spanning approximately 2.6 hectares.
María Teresa Moya, the museum's director, emphasizes that the Anahuacalli fulfills Rivera's vision of a space where art, nature, and the public coexist. Despite his Communist ideology and criticism of the Catholic Church, Rivera's reverence for Mexico's pre-Hispanic spirituality is evident throughout the museum.
The institution's name, Anahuacalli, translates from Nahuatl as "house surrounded by water," reflecting its connection to the ancient Valley of Mexico. Inaugurated in September 1964, seven years after Rivera's death, the museum continues to serve as a bridge between Mexico's past and present.
"I wanted us to look at our past to understand our present and plant something for the future."
To mark its 60th anniversary, the Anahuacalli is hosting various events, including monthly lectures on Rivera's legacy through December 2024. The museum also maintains strong ties with the local community, preserving the collective memory of the neighborhood and Rivera's impact.
Contemporary artists continue to find inspiration within the Anahuacalli's walls. From September 13, 2024, to January 2025, Mexican sculptor Pedro Reyes will exhibit "Atomic amnesia," a collection inspired by one of Rivera's controversial and lost murals.
The Anahuacalli Museum stands as a unique cultural landmark, blending ancient wisdom with modern artistry. It not only preserves Diego Rivera's legacy but also serves as a living testament to Mexico's rich cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore the intricate connections between past, present, and future.
