The Soumaya Museum stands as a beacon of culture and architectural innovation in the heart of Mexico City. A private museum and non-profit cultural institution, Soumaya is more than just a repository of art; it’s a striking landmark that captivates visitors even before they step inside. With two locations in Mexico City, at Plaza Carso and Plaza Loreto, and an additional house museum dedicated to the Guillermo Tovar de Teresa collection in Colonia Roma, Soumaya offers multiple avenues to explore its vast and diverse collection.
The museum’s collection is truly impressive, boasting approximately 66,000 works that span various periods and styles. From the ancient artistry of Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican sculpture to the vibrant expressions of 19th and 20th-century Mexican art, and extending to a significant assembly of European Old Masters, Soumaya provides a comprehensive journey through art history. Visitors can encounter masterpieces by titans of Western art, including Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dalí, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and Tintoretto, among many others.
Exploring the Levels of the Soumaya Museum: A Curated Experience
The Soumaya Museum is thoughtfully organized across several levels, each offering a unique thematic experience:
The Vestibule: A Grand Welcome
Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by an expansive, asymmetric vestibule with soaring ceilings. This space serves as a dynamic area for temporary exhibitions and special events. It also permanently houses monumental artworks, such as Rodin’s iconic The Thinker and Diego Rivera’s powerful mural Río Juchitán. Other notable pieces in this area include Rufino Tamayo’s Still life and Day and night, and a 19th-century bronze cast of Michelangelo’s Pieta.
Level 1: Glimmers of Gold and Silver
Ascending to Level 1, visitors are immersed in the opulent world of gold and silver works. This level primarily showcases decorative arts, along with fascinating collections of coins, medals, and banknotes. These artifacts trace the evolution of Mexican artistry and craftsmanship from the colonial period through the post-revolutionary era. Additionally, the displays include intricate objects crafted from ivory, silk, and precious stones, originally intended for both religious and secular purposes.
Level 2 & 5: Spaces for Temporary Art Narratives
Levels 2 and 5 are dedicated to the ever-changing landscape of temporary exhibitions. These floors ensure that there is always something new and engaging to discover at the Soumaya Museum, featuring diverse artists and themes throughout the year.
Level 3: A Dialogue Between European and Novohispanic Masters
Level 3 is where European and Novohispanic Masters engage in a visual conversation across time and continents. European artists on display include luminaries such as the Cranachs, Tintoretto, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Murillo. Complementing these are colonial works by prominent figures like Villalpando, Juárez, Cabrera, and Páez, illustrating the rich artistic exchange that occurred in New Spain.
Level 4: From Impressionism to the Avant-Garde
Level 4 transports visitors to the era of Impressionism and the avant-garde movements. Here, 19th-century Mexican landscapes by artists like Chapman, Rugendas, Egerton, Linati, Baron Gros, Löhr, Landesio, and Velasco are presented alongside groundbreaking works from European movements. Masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Vincent van Gogh, Vlaminck, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miró exemplify the revolutionary spirit of this period.
Level 6: The World of Rodin and Dalí
The uppermost level, Level 6, is dedicated to the sculptures of Auguste Rodin and his artistic circle, including Camille Claudel and Émile-Antoine Bourdelle. Adding another dimension to this level are the surreal and captivating sculptures of Salvador Dalí, creating a powerful juxtaposition of sculptural expression.
Plan Your Visit to Soumaya Mexico
A visit to the Soumaya Museum is often enriched by exploring nearby cultural and commercial attractions. The Jumex Museum, Inbursa Aquarium, and the Plaza Carso shopping center are all within close proximity, making it easy to create a full day of exploration in the Polanco area of Mexico City. For convenient transportation, the Turibus Polanco Circuit stop is located opposite the aquarium on Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca.
The Soumaya Museum, with its stunning architecture and world-class collection, is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a rich cultural experience in Mexico City.
