Iturbide Palace

At 17 Francisco I. Madero Street in the Historic Center of Mexico City is located the Iturbide Palace, one of the emblematic constructions of the novohispanic baroque in the capital, which for more than two centuries has been a residence, school, hotel and currently a cultural space.

This building began its construction in 1779 by the architect Francisco Antonio Guerrero y Torres. In 1785 its construction was completed and its quarry and tezontle walls turned it into a symbol of the colonial splendor of the time. Years later it was inhabited by Agustín de Iturbide before he became emperor of Mexico. This gave it the name by which it is known to this day. Later, it served as the headquarters of the Colegio de Minería, and in 1851 it was transformed into a hotel and the terminal of a stagecoach company, which welcomed travelers arriving to the capital.
In 1964 it was acquired by the National Bank of Mexico with the intention of rescuing it and restoring its splendor; in 1972 its first restoration was completed and decades later, in 2002, a deeper restoration was carried out by the master architect Legorreta.

In 2004 it was reopened as “Palacio de Cultura Banamex”. Currently its rooms receive temporary exhibitions, guided tours and cultural activities that keep it alive as a reference of the historical heritage of the capital.

The Palacio de Iturbide is not only a building of great architectural value, but also a witness to Mexico’s social and cultural changes, which has been able to maintain the memory of its viceregal past while opening up to the present as a space for culture.

Guided tours for the general public are free of charge and take place from Monday to Sunday at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 hours. There are also visits for families and groups on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 pm.