Former College of San Ildefonso

Museum · Centro

Former College of San Ildefonso

Museum · Centro

Justo Sierra 16, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, 06020 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Highlights

This stunning former Jesuit college turned art museum dazzles with breathtaking murals by Mexican masters and ever-changing, thought-provoking exhibitions.

Justo Sierra 16, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, 06020 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico Get directions

sanildefonso.org.mx

@sanildefonsomx

@afar

"The Antiguo Colegio De San Ildefonso The former Colegio de San Ildefonso is a magnificent colonial structure set around several imposing, multistoried arcades with halls now decorated by some of Mexico ’s most spectacular murals. Even better, it serves as one of the city’s most ambitious and engaging art museums, with an edgy, wide-ranging focus that never fails to surprise. Recent years’ exhibitions have featured avant-garde foreign artists like Vik Muniz and Ron Meuck; homegrown blockbusters like Javier Marín; Candida Höfer’s striking architectural photography; and Marilyn Manson’s macabre visual works. Try to get a peek into the Colegio’s old amphitheater, where one of Diego Rivera’s first major commissions looks better than ever."

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Csilla Varga

Google

It was open on Sunday afternoon , so I popped in. It is a beautiful building. The halls were not open, but I could still walk around and I could see the murals of Orozco and Charlot. It was nice to get out of the Sunday crowd. It was free. If you find this building open, it is definitely worth it to pop in.

Amy Passafiume

Google

Beautiful building with some impressive murals. We lucked out and were able to get into the theatre to see the Rivera mural. Sadly, most rooms/exhibits were closed which was surprising and disappointing. I recommend checking about what is open for viewing before purchasing tickets.

Francisco Estrella

Google

As always San Ildefonso College is a great place to walk around a beautiful colonial building from the 1700's and admire impressive murals from some of the best Mexican muralists. Take your time to enjoy the murals but the patios that are a great place to relax. Be aware that up to date there are some restauration works going on so you might find some spaces closed, but anyways the visit is really well worthy.

Justin Bailey

Google

Most of the Salas were closed, including the Diego Rivera one. The only two things viewable were several Jose Orozco murals on the walls of the stairwells and hallways outside, and the temporary exhibition on the first floor. The temporary exhibition by Sergio Hernandez was mostly ugly contorted bodies of humans suffering in some hellish environment with the exception of a few whale paintings and tree paintings and the stereotypical modern art addition of a plain gold colored "work" or black background with white spots. I still don't know why those last two belong in a museum. The building is nice to see, and the museum is not crowded at all on a weekday, but it would be much better if the rooms were all open rather than all closed.

Brian Schnack

Google

Wonderful, spacious, great murals that were indicative of the time

Z O L U

Google

This place has amazing architecture, history and art and is a must for any art lover visiting the Mexico City. Located in the heart of the city, the visit can be combined with a visit of the Museo del Templo Mayor, the Cathedral orante if the amazing restaurants in the area. Beautiful colonial architecture combined with impressive mural by Orozco. Currently the exhibition by Sergio Hernandez makes it all even more impressive.

Pablo Ben

Google

One of the most beautiful buildings in the Centro Historico. Originally a high school, this museum has dozens of murals from Rivera and other famous Mexican artists from the 1920s to the 1940s. Exhibitions change all the time but they are usually about great topics.

P W

Google

A must see museum set in an 18th century former Jesuit school for the sons of wealthy Mexicans. The interior contains murals by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and Fernando Leal. The many galleries inside its walls showcase exhibitions by Mexican artists, currently the glorious and thought provoking work of Sergio Hernandez, whose iconography reflects his Indigenous heritage, and that of his native region of Oaxaca, including the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures of Mesoamerica. In his work, you’ll find everything from violent practices of human sacrifice to images of a solitary whale. Entry fee is 50p, very worth it.