Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum, Mexico City

Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum, Mexico City

The Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum stands as the repository of an extensive art collection amassed by Rufino Tamayo, a renowned artist of Zapotec heritage, along with his wife Olga. Rufino Tamayo had a penchant for acquiring distinctive pieces of art, some of which were generously donated by the family to the museum. Notably, Rufino Tamayo actively participated in the construction of the museum, which opened its doors in 1981, proudly joining the esteemed Tamayo collection of contemporary art.

Positioned on the Paseo de la Reforma at Calle Mahatma Gandhi, the Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum was envisioned and brought to life by the accomplished Mexican architects Teodoro Gonzalez de Leon and Abraham Zabludovsky. Both architects shared a close friendship with Rufino Tamayo and were respected professionals in their field. This museum marked a significant milestone, being the first independent institution in Mexico City, to operate outside government control.

At the heart of the museum's permanent art displays lies the personal collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings belonging to Rufino and Olga, herself a talented pianist. This collection forms the foundation of the institution's diverse exhibits. The museum further enriches its offerings with rotating temporary art exhibitions, showcasing the work of both Mexican and international artists. Notably, the collection boasts works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Joan Miro, Rene Magritte, Francis Bacon, and Henry Moore.

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.

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Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum on Map

Sight Name: Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Mexico City, Mexico

Create Your Own Walk in Mexico City

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.
Chapultepec Park Walking Tour

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
Historic Center Walking Tour

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
Zona Rosa Walking Tour

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
Coyoacan District Walking Tour

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
Historic Center Food Tour

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

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