Can you imagine learning to dance in a palace just as they did in the 19th century? The Foro Valparaíso is joining the August Museum Night with free activities, including a historical dance, a fan-making workshop, and a tour to discover what life was like for the Counts of San Mateo de Valparaíso.
The event will take place on Wednesday, August 26, and you’ll be able to freely explore this site in the Historic Center from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The best part? No prior registration is required, though we recommend arriving at least half an hour early, especially since space for the activities is limited.
A 19th-century dance right in the heart of the Historic Center
At 5:00 p.m ., the themed tour “Once Upon a Time, There Was a Palace” will begin . Here, you’ll learn more about the clothing, celebrations, customs, and family life of the Counts of San Mateo de Valparaíso. Space is limited to 50 people.
Afterward, you’ll have the chance to learn about a fascinating 19th-century code of communication. The workshop “Fan: Gesture, Art, and Identity” will take place at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Participants will paint a fan while learning how this object was used as a symbol of identity and a form of nonverbal communication. Each session has space for 30 people.
Here’s what the Museum Night dance will be like
The highlight? At 7:00 p.m., one of the most captivating activities will take place: a grand ball at the Palace of the Counts of San Mateo de Valparaíso. Under the guidance of experts in historical dance, you’ll get an up-close look at the rhythms and movements of the 19th century. Space is limited to 150 people.
What’s most interesting is that the event is deeply connected to the venue itself. During the 19th century, the building served as the second location for the Casino Español, and in 1869, it hosted a ball to which none other than Benito Juárez—then president of Mexico—was invited.
Currently, the Foro Valparaíso is also presenting “Invitation to the Ball: Art and Entertainment in 19th-Century Mexico, ” an exhibition that brings together pieces to explore these social events through paintings, photographs, documents, invitations, sheet music, and other objects.
Date: Wednesday, August 26
Location: Foro Valparaíso, Venustiano Carranza 60, Historic Center, Mexico City
Hours: self-guided tour from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; activities starting at 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free admission and activities; no prior registration required
Would you like an invitation to a grand 19th-century ball?
Can’t make it to the ball on Wednesday? You’ll want to check this out! On September 10 at 7:00 p.m., the Foro Valparaíso will recreate the rituals of a grand 19th-century ball.
The experience will include a special tour of the exhibition, a dance card, live music, period-inspired tastings, and, of course, a grand ball. But there’s one important detail: tickets won’t be available for purchase, and attendance is by invitation only.
There’s currently a giveaway to win 20 pairs of tickets. To enter , follow Foro Valparaíso and Karla Museos on Instagram, share the giveaway video in your Stories while tagging both accounts, mention in the comments the person you’d like to attend with, and send screenshots via direct message proving you’ve completed all the steps. Your guest must also follow both accounts.
You can enter more than once, as long as you tag a different person in each comment. The drawing will take place on the morning of August 30, and the winners will be announced that same day.
In addition, there will be a second chance during August’s Museum Night, as five more pairs of tickets will be given away through a special giveaway—details to be confirmed.
