Museo Jumex: A Contemporary Art Hub in Mexico City

Museo Jumex, located at Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303 in Mexico City's Granada area, is a leading institution for contemporary art. Situated within the Plaza Carso cultural and shopping complex, it is easily accessible from the Polanco Metrobus station, approximately a 10-minute walk. The museum, which opened in November 2013, houses the largest private contemporary art collection in Latin America.

The Vision of Eugenio López Alonso and Fundación Jumex

The museum's origins trace back to Fundación Jumex, established in 1997 by Eugenio López Alonso, heir to the Jugos del Valle juice company. López Alonso began collecting art in the early 1990s, focusing on Minimalist and Conceptual art from the 1960s-70s, as well as contemporary Latin American art from the 1990s onwards. This collection has been instrumental in bringing Mexican artists like Gabriel Orozco, Damián Ortega, and Abraham Cruzvillegas to international prominence.

David Chipperfield's Architectural Masterpiece

Designed by renowned British architect David Chipperfield, Museo Jumex marks his first completed project in Mexico. The five-story building is characterized by its travertine stone facade and a distinctive sawtooth roof. Chipperfield's design carefully addresses Mexico's intense sunlight, utilizing the sawtooth structure to draw in soft, consistent northern light into the exhibition spaces, optimizing the viewing experience for artworks.

Collection Highlights and Dynamic Exhibitions

The Jumex Collection comprises approximately 3,000 works, with a rotating selection of about 150 pieces on display at any given time. Key works by artists such as Urs Fischer, Andreas Slominski, and Gabriel Orozco are regularly featured. The museum also hosts 4-5 major temporary exhibitions annually, alternating between blockbuster retrospectives of international artists like Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama, and showcases of emerging Latin American talent.

Key Architectural Features and Public Spaces

A notable feature of the museum is its pillar-free 1,000-square-meter exhibition space on the fifth floor, ideal for large-scale conceptual installations like Walter De Maria's 〈Equal Area Series〉. The building's travertine exterior features subtle vertical grooves, a signature of Chipperfield's work that emphasizes material texture. Additionally, the museum houses an open research library with over 10,000 contemporary art books, serving as a vital resource for scholars and the public.

Visitor Information and Nearby Attractions

Museo Jumex offers free admission, operating from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and is closed on Mondays. A visit of approximately 1.5 hours is recommended. It is conveniently located next to Museo Soumaya, making it a popular destination for a 'Polanco Contemporary Tour.' Visitors can also combine a trip to Museo Jumex with visits to the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) and Diego Rivera mural tours for a comprehensive exploration of Mexican modern and contemporary art.