Have you ever imagined walking along the cobblestone streets of San Ángel and coming across a monumental fountain decorated entirely with broken plates, cups, and mother-of-pearl shells? That’s just one of the wonders that await you as you discover the history of the Casa del Risco Museum.
The Origins of the Iconic Casa del Risco in San Ángel
It all began in the 16th century, when the area was home to nothing more than a small chapel built by Dominican friars, who would later give way to the famous Carmelite order.
Over the centuries, this building underwent a radical transformation. In 1750, Captain Don Manuel de León purchased it and adapted it to the style of the time. Its viceregal architecture is characterized by an austere, symmetrical two-story façade, crowned by a mixtilinear cornice and a niche housing the Virgin of Loreto.
During the U.S. Intervention in 1847, the house witnessed dark episodes: it served as a hospital for the wounded, barracks for U.S. troops, and even as the courtroom where the heroic St. Patrick’s Battalion was sentenced. It is said that, from the building’s tower (the highest point in the neighborhood), the advance of the invading troops could be seen.
What Is Known About the Architecture of the Fuente del Risco
But if there’s one thing that takes your breath away, it’s the central courtyard. There stands the impressive Fuente del Risco, a jewel of Mexican Ultra-Baroque art created in the 18th century, although its original creator remains unknown.
Since imports from the Nao de China were scarce, artisans from New Spain used fragments of Chinese and Japanese porcelain (riscos), Talavera de Puebla pottery, mirrors, and shells to bring this imposing aquatic altarpiece to life.
The Role of Isidro Fabela and the Designation as a Historic Monument
Although the property eventually fell into disrepair, its history took a turn in 1931 when the site was declared a Historic Monument.
In 1933, diplomat and internationalist Isidro Fabela and his wife, Josefina Eisenmann, purchased the property and restored it with meticulous care.
They took it upon themselves to restore the missing pieces of the fountain and to fill the rooms with marvelous antiques.
The mansion becomes the Casa del Risco Museum
In 1958, the couple donated the entire residence to the people of Mexico. Today, those same rooms serve as exhibition halls where you can admire everything from Baroque religious and secular art to landscape paintings and Fabela’s personal studio.
Location, Hours, and Admission Fees
Without a doubt, immersing yourself in the fascinating history of the Casa del Risco Museum is a must for any lover of culture, art, and our city’s best-kept secrets.
The best part is that this iconic building is open to the public and admission is free; located at Plaza San Jacinto 5, San Ángel TNT, Álvaro Obregón, the museum is open Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Other museums to discover south of Mexico City
In addition to the Casa del Risco Museum, the southern part of the city offers other museums that house true architectural gems, such as the Diego Rivera-Anahuacalli Museum, which displays a vast collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts.
In addition, there’s the recently opened Dolores Olmedo Museum, where you’ll discover one of the most important collections of works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Mexico
You’ll have no shortage of cultural things to do!
