Fountain of Diana, Mexico City
The fountain of Diana stands on a roundabout near the Paseo de Reforma in Mexico City. The statue of Diana the Huntress is depicted by the sculptor as aiming her bow and shooting the arrow to the skies.
In 1942, architect Vincente Mendiola and Sculptor Juan Olaguibel were commissioned to build a fountain in a roundabout near the entrance of Chapultepec Park on the Reforma Avenue. The commission was the result of a beautification drive of Mexico City by the then President, Manuel Avila Camacho. A 16 year old secretary, Helvia Martinez was chosen as a model for the fountain. She posed for the sculptor for free knowing that her body would be immortalized in a landmark of Mexico City. On October 10th 1942, the statue was inaugurated. Some sections of the population appreciated the sculpture while ultra conservative sections of society called the Decency League protested against the nude depiction of Diana and forced the artist to put underwear on the statue. Before the 1968 Olympics, it was decided to remove the underwear but the attempt damaged the statue. The statue was removed to Ixmiquilpan, the home town of Juan Olaguibel. By popular demand by artists and citizens, the statue was restored in 1992.
The roundabout at the entrance to Chapultepec Park is decorated by a beautiful fountain and a sculpture that remains a fitting tribute to artistic freedom that survives despite setbacks.
In 1942, architect Vincente Mendiola and Sculptor Juan Olaguibel were commissioned to build a fountain in a roundabout near the entrance of Chapultepec Park on the Reforma Avenue. The commission was the result of a beautification drive of Mexico City by the then President, Manuel Avila Camacho. A 16 year old secretary, Helvia Martinez was chosen as a model for the fountain. She posed for the sculptor for free knowing that her body would be immortalized in a landmark of Mexico City. On October 10th 1942, the statue was inaugurated. Some sections of the population appreciated the sculpture while ultra conservative sections of society called the Decency League protested against the nude depiction of Diana and forced the artist to put underwear on the statue. Before the 1968 Olympics, it was decided to remove the underwear but the attempt damaged the statue. The statue was removed to Ixmiquilpan, the home town of Juan Olaguibel. By popular demand by artists and citizens, the statue was restored in 1992.
The roundabout at the entrance to Chapultepec Park is decorated by a beautiful fountain and a sculpture that remains a fitting tribute to artistic freedom that survives despite setbacks.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mexico City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Fountain of Diana on Map
Sight Name: Fountain of Diana
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mexico City, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Mexico City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mexico City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historic Center Walking Tour
Mexico City is the oldest capital in the Americas and is one of the two founded by indigenous people. Originally known as Mexico Tenochtitlan, the city was built by the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in 1325. According to a legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli, pointed out the site of the future settlement with an image of a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Chapultepec Park Walking Tour
Nicknamed "the Lungs of Mexico City", Chapultepec Park is a vast oasis of lush greenery in the heart of the Mexican capital, sprawling over 686 hectares of land, providing a vital source of oxygen for the city. Rich in natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, throughout centuries, this park has inspired various works of literature, poetry, and visual art, further... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Coyoacan District Walking Tour
Translated from the Nahuatle language as “The Land of Coyotes”, Coyoacán is a relatively quiet neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City. Formerly a rural village, over the years Coyoacán has become a rich pocket of art and history in the capital, closely associated with some iconic figures of the 20th century and the tumultuous times in which they lived.
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historic Center Food Tour
A combination of history and tradition in Mexico City permeates all aspects of life, including food. For centuries, food and drink have been an inseparable part of the city's culture. Within Mexico City's bustling historic center, you can find a variety of culinary gems that offer a taste of what we call diverse Mexican cuisine.
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Zona Rosa Walking Tour
Zona Rosa, or "Pink Zone" in English, is a vibrant neighborhood near the historic center of the Mexican capital which is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. The neighborhood's name comes from the pink-colored tiles abundantly used to pave the local streets.
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
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