Casa Miguel Alemán, Los Pinos

The Casa Miguel Alemán is the main presidential residence within the Los Pinos Cultural Complex. As such, it’s this house that is most often referred to as “Los Pinos.” The present name is enjoying a resurgence to distinguish the house from the overall complex and grounds. Until 2018, is was the official residence of the the Mexican President. The grounds had served every president since President Lázaro Cárdenas refused to inhabit the Chapultepec Castle (as had presidents before him), and moved to the other smaller house on the property. Cárdenas also changed the name from the Rancho de la Hormiga to Los Pinos.

Since 2018, it’s an increasingly important cultural center and a symbol of the republican ideals of Mexican society. It’s open to the public, admission is free.

The House

President Miguel Alemán Valdés (1946-1952) began construction on the building we see today in 1947. The architect was Manuel Giraud Esteva and engineering services were provided by Fernando Parra Hernández. The home was only finished in 1952.

12 subsequent presidents would reside on the property. Giraud’s architectural plans called for a house of some 4,000 square meters on three floors, and with views to the east. Today, with hundreds of people entering every day, not every part of the home is open to the public. The basement contains a game room, a party room, bar, and cinema. These are not often open to the public.

President Adolfo López Mateos (1958-1964) never occupied the house, but administered the country much of the time from his home in San Jerónimo. But the other presidents lived here with their families. Many made significant changes. At heart, the home was always intended, first and foremost, to receive visiting heads of state. It did that at numerous times over the decades.

Tours are available on site.

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Works Cited on this page:
Rafael Fierro Gossman, 20 de noviembre de 2018,
La “Residencia Miguel Alemán” en Molino del Rey…
https://grandescasasdemexico.blogspot.com/2018/11/la-residencia-miguel-aleman-en-molino.html