The Rivas Mercado House is a building of great architectural and historical value located in the Guerrero neighborhood, one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of Mexico City. It was designed and built by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, author of the Independence Column, between 1893 and 1897.
The house is a representative example of 19th century eclectic architecture, combining elements of different styles, such as neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, art nouveau and neoclassical.
The Rivas Mercado House was the home of the architect and his wife, pianist Antonieta Rivas Mercado.
It was here that Rivas Mercado designed the monument of the winged victory, better known as the Angel of Independence, which represented 100 years of independence during the Porfiriato.
The couple lived in the house until 1917, when the architect moved to Europe. The house was abandoned for several years, until it was acquired by the government of Mexico City in 2004.
In 2017, the house was restored and opened to the public as a museum, although due to the 2019 earthquake the house closed again and was back in operation in 2022.
The museum houses a collection of personal objects of the Rivas Mercado family, as well as temporary exhibitions on art and architecture.
History of the Rivas Mercado House
The Rivas Mercado House was built for Antonio Rivas Mercado and his wife, Antonieta Rivas Mercado. The architect was a visionary man who was interested in the latest architectural trends. The house was designed to reflect his taste for eclectic aesthetics.
Construction of the house began in 1893 and lasted four years. The architect personally supervised every detail of the project, from the selection of materials to the design of the interiors.
The house was completed in 1897. The couple moved into the house and lived there until 1917, when the architect moved to Europe. The house was abandoned for several years, until it was acquired by the Mexico City government in 2004.
Architecture of the Rivas Mercado House
The Rivas Mercado House is a representative example of 19th century eclectic architecture. The facade of the house is symmetrical and is decorated with elements of different styles, such as neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, art nouveau and neoclassical.
The clock tower, located in the center of the facade, is one of the most distinctive features of the house. The tower is decorated with neo-Gothic elements, such as the spires and windows.
Another interesting aspect is that the house is diagonally approximately 45 degrees from the street, this to have a better orientation with the sunlight that enters through the windows.
Interiors of the Rivas Mercado House
The interiors of the house are decorated in a luxurious and elegant style. The floors are made of stained glass very rarely seen in the country.
Few original furnishings are preserved, but one of the most important pieces of furniture that remains is the dining room of Rivas market where great figures of the nineteenth century were.
In the center it has a staircase made entirely of wood and with impeccable finishes.
Rivas Mercado House Museum
In 2017, the Rivas Mercado House was restored and opened to the public as a museum. The museum houses a collection of personal objects of the Rivas Mercado family, as well as temporary exhibitions on art and architecture.
The museum’s collection includes furniture, paintings, photographs and personal documents of the Rivas Mercado family. The collection offers a glimpse into the life of the family and the era in which they lived.
The museum’s temporary exhibitions focus on themes related to art, architecture and the history of Mexico City. The exhibitions have presented works by Mexican and foreign artists, as well as themes related to the history of the city.
Location of the Rivas Mercado house
This is the address of the house rivas mercado C. Héroes 45, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, 06300 Mexico City, CDMX
You can also see it on Google maps here
Hours of operation
Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 12:30 to 1:00 PM
Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 12:30 to 1:00 PM
The cost is 200 per person and they regularly have guided tours to get to know the house in detail.
The Rivas Mercado House is an architectural and cultural treasure of Mexico City. The house is a representative example of 19th century eclectic architecture and houses a collection of personal objects of the Rivas Mercado family.
