Museo Soumaya by Fernando Romero Enterprise

Fernando Romero Enterprise (FR-EE) is the agency that created this 150 feet tall Museum at the heart of Polanco, a dynamic and cosmopolitan neighborhood in Mexico City.

 

The distinct shape of the building creates an identity for the ex-industrial area dating 1940s, being also a catalyst for further cultural development, such as a theatre by Anton Garcia-Abril and  the contemporary Jumex art museum by David Copperfield.

The skin of the whole structure is made of 16 000 hexagonal tiles of mirrored steel, reminding the traditional ceramic-tiled building façades and giving the Museum a diverse appearance according to the variation of the weather and climate conditions. It also optimize the preservation and durability of the entire building thanks to the high quality of the material. The complex geometry and sculptural shape results from the integration of 28 unique curved steel columns of varying size and shape into the building shell. A system of seven rings on each floor stabilizes the structure, achieving cantilevers on multiple sides.
Around the Museum a grand staircase leads to the museum entrance, serving as an informal plaza for visitors and locals from the adjacent Carso complex.

Inside, Rodin’s The Thinker welcomes the visitors in a generous white vestibule encouraging them to visit the museum. Climbing up the continuous promenade which spirals through the museum’s six floors, guests will find masterpieces by Van Gogh, Matisse, Monet, Dalì, etc. At the top floor, the natural light graciously compliments an exhibition hall with a sculpture landscape. 
Soumaya Museum’s additional public and private areas include a 350 seat auditorium, library, restaurant, gift-shop and administrative offices.

 

Jan. 8, 2014