FONART Condesa

The FONART Condesa store is one of the best sources for artisan goods, crafts, and decorative items anywhere in the area. Unlikely as it seems, it’s on the ground floor of the tower of Federal Secretary of the Economy. It’s sometimes, perhaps more officially, called “FONART Secretaría de Economía.” But that name doesn’t really lend itself to what you’ll find here.

The shop is one of the leading outlets for the Federal government’s initiative to support artisan workers and workshops all across the country. That means the place is loaded with unique and one-of-a-kind hand made goods that you can’t get anywhere else. It probably has to be seen to be believed.

• FONART is the Fondo Nacional para el Fomento de las Artesanías, i.e.; the National Fund for the Support of Artisans. It’s a public trust fund founded by the Federal Government and administered today under the Secretary of Culture. The fund was begun in 1974 with the intention of promoting and disseminating Mexican artisan goods while supporting the artists. FONART also provides support for training and technical assistance, production support in the purchase of raw materials, preventative health measures, community-based purchases at fair prices, and sales through the FONART stores, national and international fairs and exhibitions, artisan competitions, strategic projects, and support for workshops and outlets in areas of tourism.

Just off the Diagonal Patriotismo, the FONART Condesa shop may seem a little off the beaten path. It’s just about 10-minutes walk from Metro Patriotismo. But essentially, it’s in the middle of everything.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.