Fundación Fernando Romero has unveiled an exciting transformation for La Cuadra San Cristóbal, a landmark estate designed by the legendary Luis Barragán. Located in the heart of northwest Mexico City, this iconic “Cuadra Mexico” – a term that resonates with Mexican architectural and cultural heritage – is set to become a vibrant public cultural campus, dedicated to the fusion of art and architecture. This significant development offers both local residents and international visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Barragán’s most celebrated works. For a glimpse into La Cuadra, explore designboom’s 2019 visit here!
Originally conceived in the late 1960s by Luis Barragán, La Cuadra San Cristóbal spans 6.7 acres, encompassing a residence, equestrian facilities, and expansive landscaping, all enclosed within distinctive walls that define the essence of “cuadra mexico” architecture. The Fundación Fernando Romero, established by renowned architect and philanthropist Fernando Romero, acquired this significant property in 2017. Their vision is to meticulously preserve Barragán’s architectural legacy while reimagining the space as an accessible public resource for cultural enrichment and creative exploration.
A Vision for the Future of “Cuadra Mexico” as a Cultural Campus
The metamorphosis of Luis Barragán’s La Cuadra San Cristóbal into a dynamic cultural campus is structured around a phased plan. This approach carefully balances the imperative of architectural preservation with the introduction of thoughtful contemporary design elements. Among the anticipated additions are pavilions crafted by globally acclaimed architects, including a notable timber structure by Kengo Kuma. These new spaces are designed to foster a dynamic environment that evolves in harmony with the campus’s cultural programming. The revitalized “cuadra mexico” will serve as an ongoing platform for artistic and architectural investigation, emphasizing the cultivation of creative innovation within a historically significant setting.
In its renewed role, La Cuadra San Cristóbal will host a diverse spectrum of cultural engagements. These will include curated exhibitions, artist residency programs, and site-specific installations, all designed to resonate with the spirit of “cuadra mexico” and its architectural significance. A permanent exhibition, curated by Jorge Covarrubias, an architect distinguished for his expertise in Barragán building restorations, will be dedicated to illuminating the life and oeuvre of Luis Barragán. Complementary facilities, such as galleries, a podcast studio, a specialized library, and versatile event spaces, will ensure that this reimagined “cuadra mexico” remains a compelling cultural destination for generations to come.
Courtyard view of La Cuadra San Cristóbal, highlighting the architectural lines and open space
Immersive Artist Experience at La Cuadra San Cristóbal
Anticipating its official public inauguration in October 2025, La Cuadra San Cristóbal will offer a special artist experience in February 2025, coinciding with the prestigious Zona Maco art fair. Renowned performance artist Marina Abramović will conduct a unique intervention within the estate’s central courtyard and engage in a dialogue with an invited audience, including 150 university students. This event marks Abramović’s significant return to Mexico since the 1990s and underscores the foundation’s dedication to nurturing interdisciplinary creative conversations within the context of “cuadra mexico”.
The formal public opening of La Cuadra San Cristóbal in fall 2025 will be synchronized with the debut of the permanent Luis Barragán exhibition. This exhibition will provide an in-depth exploration of Barragán’s seminal works, such as Casa Prieto López, Casa Gálvez, and Torres de Satélite, contextualizing them within the broader narrative of “cuadra mexico” and Mexican modernism. Through this innovative cultural campus, the Fundación Fernando Romero team aspires to both honor Barragán’s enduring architectural heritage and establish La Cuadra as a premier venue for artistic and architectural experimentation, deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of “cuadra mexico”.
Landscape view of La Cuadra San Cristóbal, emphasizing the integration of nature and architecture
Aerial view of La Cuadra San Cristóbal, showing the layout of the estate and surrounding Mexico City
