Diego Rivera’s giant awe-inspiring murals are definitely an iconic Mexico City sight. The legendary artist’s work not only decorates some of the city’s most famous buildings, but also offers a fascinating view into Mexico’s history.
If you’re an art, culture, or history buff, visiting some of the most important sites from Diego Rivera’s life is a great way to learn not only about his legacy, but about the Historic Center— and Mexico City as a whole.
1. Palacio Nacional
The Palacio Nacional (or National Palace) houses one of Diego Rivera's most impressive murals: Epic of the Mexican People. This work, which covers the entire main staircase, depicts a sweeping panorama of Mexico’s rich, yet strife-ridden history from the 1500’s up to the 20th century. Enjoy Rivera’s keen sense of color and astonishing level of detail, as you learn about key historic moments that made Mexicans who they are today.
To visit: bring an official ID and register at the entrance. It’s a great opportunity to see one of the city’s most important works of Mexican muralism, up close and for free!
Our hotel Zócalo Central is located right across from the National Palace, and our other two hotels, Histórico Central and Canada Central, are just a few minutes walk.
2. Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso
This historic site played a key role in Diego Rivera’s life: Here, he met Frida Kahlo, who would become his wife and one of Mexico’s most famous artists.
Also here, in the Simón Bolívar Amphitheater, he painted his first mural, La Creación, in 1922. Painted in a more classical style than his later works, it blends religious and mythological imagery.
If you visit, be sure to also check out the colonial courtyards, murals by other artists, and art galleries hosting temporary exhibitions.
3. Secretaría de Educación Pública – SEP (Ministry of Public Education)
A few blocks away from San Ildefonso, you’ll find a building off the beaten track, where Diego Rivera left behind one of his most extensive collections of murals. Here, in the patios of the national Ministry of Public Education, Rivera painted around 120 panels portraying Mexican life, from traditions, to the fight for social justice.
Among the most notable murals are El Arsenal (The Arsenal), featuring Frida Kahlo, and La Fiesta del Maíz (The Corn Festival), a tribute to Mexico’s Indigenous heritage.
This is one of the least visited places on this list. But, it’s well worth exploring, to appreciate Rivera’s evolving style and deep commitment to social causes.
4. Palacio de Bellas Artes
This famous CDMX building houses several murals by Mexican artists, including Man, Controller of the Universe by Diego Rivera. It’s a replica of his original mural at New York’s Rockefeller Center, which was censored and destroyed for its communist content.
Here, Rivera shows his vision of human progress, with images of science, technology and class struggle. It’s a work with many symbolic details, so it is worth reading about it first, and taking the time to analyze it.
Besides the murals, the Palacio is a treasure trove of beautiful architecture—a can’t-miss site in the Historic Center.
5. Museo Mural Diego Rivera
Next to Alameda Central park stands this small museum, home to one of Rivera’s most popular works: Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central. This mural brings together key figures from Mexico’s history, including La Catrina; the artist who created her (José Guadalupe Posada); Mexico’s beloved first Indigenous president, Benito Juárez; Frida Kahlo; and a young Diego Rivera himself.
The mural has an interesting history: Originally located in the Hotel del Prado, it was rescued after the massive 1985 earthquake, and this museum was built specifically to preserve and display it.
6. Cárcamo de Dolores
Located in the second section of Chapultepec Forest, the Cárcamo de Dolores is one of the most fascinating stops on this list. Here, Diego Rivera created a stunning mural originally meant to be submerged underwater: Water, the Origin of Life, depicting water, its vital role for humanity, and the evolution of life on Earth.
This site is also an engineering marvel, part of a new system built in 1950 to bring water to Mexico City, which is still used today. Inside the site, be sure to notice the unique acoustics!
7. La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum, Coyoacán)
While this museum's main focus is the life and work of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera’s presence is strongly felt. The famous duo lived in this house together for several years, and their personal objects, sketches and letters on display here offer an intimate window into their often-tumultuous relationship.
Located in Coyoacán, one of the most picturesque areas of the city, La Casa Azul is an essential stop to understand the context in which Rivera and Kahlo worked. We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance, as demand is high.
8. Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo
Our route continues at the Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, a space that was both home and workshop for the muralist. Located in San Ángel and designed by architect Juan O’Gorman, this house reflects the avant-garde style of the era, with two buildings connected by a bridge—symbolizing Diego and Frida’s relationship: together, yet maintaining their own spaces.
Rivera’s studio preserves many of his materials and tools, so you’ll see first-hand how he worked. Visitors can also see part of Rivera’s collection of Pre-Hispanic art, one of his greatest passions. It’s a great spot to gain a much deeper understanding of the artist’s life and creative vision.
9. Anahuacalli Museum
Our trail ends at the Anahuacalli Museum, an imposing volcanic stone building conceived by Diego Rivera as a space to preserve and exhibit his vast collection of Pre-Hispanic art. Be sure to check out the museum’s architecture, designed with elements of a Mexica temple.
In addition to housing more than 50,000 Pre-Hispanic pieces collected by Rivera throughout his life, the museum also displays sketches, artworks and other objects that reflect his deep love for Mexico’s heritage. From the terrace, visitors can admire the rocky landscape of Pedregal, a source of inspiration for him.
Thus, our journey ends in a place where art and history come together, united by Diego Rivera’s passionate vision.
Exploring Mexico City through the life of Diego Rivera is an incredible way to connect with his art and the country’s history. From the murals of the Historic Center, to his studio in San Ángel, each stop on this trail takes us deeper into Rivera’s worldview, and into Mexico itself.
To follow the Diego Rivera trail with ease, Central Hotels are a perfect option. Our three hotels are located in the heart of the Historic Center, just steps away from many of the route’s key stops. From our hotels, you can explore the city comfortably and enjoy a stay with everything you need to make the most of Mexico City.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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