Así es el Museo Nacional de Arte de México, MUNAL

Summary

In this video, the host takes viewers on a tour of the Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) in Mexico City, exploring its fascinating architecture and historical significance. From its marble sculptures to stunning frescoes, the museum showcases a blend of styles, including Gothic and Baroque. Key artworks, like those from the Colonial period, as well as contemporary pieces by artists such as Rufino Tamayo and Diego Rivera, are highlighted. Viewers also learn about the building's rich history, from housing the Palace of Communications to becoming a cultural landmark, making it a must-visit destination for art and history lovers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The National Museum of Art (Munal) is located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center and has a rich historical background.
• 😀 The building was originally the San Andrés hospital, where Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg's body was embalmed before being displayed after his execution.
• 😀 The Munal's architecture is eclectic, combining Gothic, Hellenic, Romanesque, Byzantine, and Baroque styles, creating an impressive, fantasy-like atmosphere.
• 😀 A significant feature of the Munal is its majestic staircase, designed by the Milikim Brothers in collaboration with an Italian foundry.
• 😀 The mural above the main staircase, titled 'Allegory of War and Peace', was created by Carlo Copede and symbolizes victory, peace, and the contrasting themes of war and work.
• 😀 The museum has 33 exhibition rooms, showcasing artwork from the 16th century to the mid-20th century.
• 😀 Key masterpieces include 'The Adoration of the Kings' by José Juárez (1655) and 'The Incredulity of Saint Thomas' by Sebastián López de Arteaga (1650).
• 😀 A special exhibition on biofilia (love for life and nature) by María Asada is featured alongside 'From Stone to Clay', displaying 19th and 20th-century Mexican sculpture.
• 😀 The painting 'The Torture of Cuauhtémoc' by Leandro Izaguirre (1893) depicts the torture of the last Aztec emperor, symbolizing resilience in the face of suffering.
• 😀 The Munal also has notable works from the Mexican School of Painting, including pieces by Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, along with a mural by Rivera depicting life in Oaxaca's Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
• 😀 The museum also houses objects related to Mexico's telecommunications history, including early telegraph equipment, and displays artworks that represent the development of this technology.

Q & A

What is the Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) and where is it located?

The Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) is a prominent art museum located in the heart of Mexico City's historic center. It houses an extensive collection of Mexican and international art spanning from the 16th century to the mid-20th century.

What historical significance does the MUNAL building have?

Before becoming a museum, the building was home to the **Hospital de San Andrés**, where the body of Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg was embalmed. It was later repurposed as the **Palacio de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas** and, in 1982, was transformed into the Museo Nacional de Arte.

Who designed the architecture of the MUNAL building?

The MUNAL building was designed by architect **Silvio Contri** and was intended to serve as the **Palacio de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas** during the Porfiriato period. Its architecture blends multiple styles, including **Gothic**, **Romanesque**, **Baroque**, and **Byzantine** elements.

What is the significance of the sculptures in the **Patio de los Leones**?

The **Patio de los Leones** is known for its sculptures of lions that are replicas of those on the tomb of Pope Clement XIII. The lions symbolize the protection and care of the museum. The patio was once used as a bicycle parking area but now hosts cultural events and galas.

What are some of the key features of the main staircase at MUNAL?

The main staircase at MUNAL is an architectural highlight, designed by the company **Milikim Brothers** in collaboration with the **Fondería del Piñón** from Florence, Italy. It is known for its grandeur and intricate details, making it one of the most iconic features of the museum.

Who painted the allegorical ceiling in the staircase area, and what does it depict?

The allegorical ceiling of the staircase area was painted by **Carlo Copede**. It depicts **war** and **peace**, symbolized by a figure holding a laurel crown and olive branch for peace, and cannons representing war. It also features mythological deities and a central figure of **Cupid**.

What is the 'Río Juchitlán' mural by Diego Rivera about?

'**Río Juchitlán**' is a mural created by **Diego Rivera** between 1953 and 1955. It depicts a **paradisiacal scene** of life in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, showcasing the indigenous and campesino lifestyle. It is one of Rivera’s most celebrated works at MUNAL.

What type of art is showcased in the **Piedra al Barro** exhibition?

The **Piedra al Barro** exhibition at MUNAL displays **Mexican sculptures** from the 19th and 20th centuries. It features works like the **El Desembarco de Colón** sculpture, which portrays the arrival of Christopher Columbus, and highlights the evolution of Mexican sculpture during these periods.

What are some of the notable Colonial-era artworks in MUNAL's collection?

Notable Colonial-era artworks in MUNAL include **José Juárez's 'Adoration of the Kings'** (1655), **Sebastián López de Arteaga’s 'The Incredulity of Saint Thomas'** (1650), and **Miguel Cabrera’s 'The Annunciation'** (1750-1760). These works showcase the rich artistic traditions of colonial Mexico.

What is the historical significance of the **Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence** painting by José Juárez?

The **Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence** by **José Juárez** (1650) depicts the brutal execution of Saint Lawrence, who was burned alive in Rome. It is a powerful representation of the suffering of saints in Catholic religious art during the colonial period.