Mexico City is full of history and it has been the center point of a nation in constant growth, as evidenced in the modern architecture seen in the present-day capital. To fully appreciate this, you can visit the areas that are considered the most representative in contemporary architecture.

Colonias Roma and Condesa – These two centrally located neighborhoods are known for their elegant houses and buildings, which are art nouveau and art deco constructions. During the beginning of the 20th century, around the time of the Porfirio Diaz era, Mexico’s elite lived in these buildings. In the 1920s, many of the structures were renovated to preserve their splendor of old. Near Parque Mexico, one of the city’s best parks, you’ll find bookstores, art galleries and cultural centers, among other places that have given this part of town such a strong artistic tradition.

Ciudad Universitaria (University City) – Located in southwest Mexico City off Avenida Insurgentes, between Eje 10 Sur and Anillo Pereferico. This is the campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, or UNAM. The architecture at this university is considered one of the best examples of functionalism in Latin America and it responds to the need to create a national style with its own identity. Many of the buildings have murals by such renowned Mexican artists as Diego Rivera (on the university stadium), David Alfaro Siqueiros (on the dean’s building) and Juan O’Gorman (on the main library).

Corredor Reforma – Also known as Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, the main avenue that runs through the city’s central areas. Along this avenue, you can see many of Mexico City’s most famous monuments and modern buildings, such as the Torre Mayor, Latin America’s tallest skyscraper with 55 floors and one of the city’s most important modern construction projects. From there, as you head toward downtown, you’ll come across the Fuente de la Diana Cazadora (Diana the Hunter Fountain), where you’ll see a bronze statue of the Roman goddess that was designed by Vicente Mendiola and sculpted by Juan Francisco Olaguibel. The next sight along Reforma is the Monumento a la Independencia (The Independence Monument), better known as The Angel. The Angel, perched atop a Corinthian-style column, represents the Winged Victory. At the base of the column, depicted in feminine forms, is a sculpture featuring symbols of war, peace, law and justice, and beside the columns are statues of independence heroes. Further ahead, you can admire the Cuauhtemoc Monument, a three-tiered structure with a statue depicting the Aztec emperor hurling a spear. At the following roundabout, you’ll see the Christopher Columbus Monument, made by French sculptor Carlos Gardier; the Columbus statue stands atop a pink Renaissance-style pedestal. Finally, at Reforma and Avenida Juarez, you’ll find the sculpture of El Caballito (The Little Horse), the work of a sculptor from the state of Chihuahua named Sebastian. The Caballito is a reference to an equestrian statue of Carlos IV, which is in front of the National Art Museum in the Historic Center.

Santa Fe – Located on the city’s southwest side in neighboring districts Miguel Hidalgo and Alvaro Obregon. This is Mexico’s most ambitious and advanced development project. In this area, you’ll find excellent academic institutions, such as the Iberoamericana University, as well as modern corporate buildings, such as the Calakmul and Bosque Arcos. The high-end development project also has residential areas, such as the Tomas Moro Apartments, a structure built with strong emphasis on space, forms and lighting..

 

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