Among the most emblematic symbols of Mexico City, the Revolution Monument Mexico City stands as a complex and ambiguous testament to the historical event it commemorates. This architectural work, left incomplete in its original purpose, began as the dome for a grand palace intended to house the Federal Legislative Branch. Porfirio Díaz laid the first stone in 1910, although the project had been in planning since 1897. However, Díaz’s reign was nearing its end, and the Mexican Revolution of 1910 was on the horizon. He was overthrown the following year, after more than 31 years in near-absolute power.
Although the newly elected Francisco Madero funded the construction until 1913, his assassination and the onset of the revolution’s second, more violent phase led to the project’s abandonment. While the revolution largely concluded by 1920, the profound societal shifts delayed any resumption of the project for another 13 years.
Architect Carlos Obregón Santacilia proposed and garnered support for transforming the long-abandoned structure into a monument dedicated to the heroes of the Mexican Revolution. Work recommenced in 1933, resulting in a distinctive fusion of Art Deco and Mexican Socialist Realism layered upon the pre-existing, neoclassical dome structure. Sculptor Oliverio Martínez designed four stone sculpture groups for the monument’s corners, allegorically representing Independence, the Reform Laws, the Agrarian Laws, and the Workers’ Laws. Martínez was assisted by a young Francisco Zúñiga, who had arrived from Costa Rica in 1936 to study sculpture.
Beyond a monument and underground museum, it also serves as a mausoleum for the fallen heroes of the Revolution. The monument is the final resting place for Francisco “Pancho” Villa, Francisco I. Madero, Plutarco Elías Calles, Venustiano Carranza, and Lázaro Cárdenas.
The Turibus Historic Center Circuit stops just northeast of the monument, outside the Frontón México.
Visiting Hours: Monday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM; and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
