The idea of building a museum with free entry to provide access to art for people who may not have the means to travel the world or visit expensive exhibitions is indeed a noble and inspiring concept. Carlos Slim, a Mexican billionaire and art enthusiast, has set a remarkable example with his ownership of the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City.
This extraordinary museum is a treasure trove of artistic wonders, showcasing an extensive collection that spans from 20th-century Mexican art to the masterpieces of Impressionism.
In short, the museum is named after his late wife, Soumaya Domit. She, like Carlos, was a lover of art and culture, and they traveled the world together just for that purpose. After his wife died, he finally decided to establish such a space dedicated to world art, with the aim of bringing artwork closer to Mexicans so they don’t need to travel or pay to see the exhibitions.
Museo Soumaya in Mexico City serves as a testament to this vision. Not only does it house an impressive collection of artworks, but it also offers free admission to the public. Also the museum’s exterior, with its awe-inspiring design. It’s an intricately arranged facade of 16,000 aluminum hexagons.
As I entered the museum, I was greeted by a magnificent replica of Michelangelo’s David, standing at a towering height of approximately 5.17 meters. Adjacent to it, the mosaic mural Río Juchitán / Baño en el Río o Baño de Tehuantepec by Diego Rivera added a vibrant and captivating touch to the entrance.
With nearly 70,000 pieces in its collection, the museum is divided into six floors, each offering a distinct artistic experience. As I made my way to the upper floors, I found myself immersed in the Sala Julián and Linda Slim, dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin and European sculpture of the 19th and 20th centuries. About 100 pieces of Rodin’s sculpture stand neatly in this hall, accompanied by Spanish explanations. And they are regarded as one of the world’s largest and most important.
Moving on from the realm of sculpture, I ventured into the section showcasing Mexican art of the 20th century. Here, the paintings of iconic Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and David Alfaro Siqueiros were on display, capturing the essence of Mexico’s rich artistic heritage. The fourth level, my personal favorite, is the house of Impressionism and the avant-garde arts. It was here that I had the awe-inspiring opportunity to closely observe the works of revered artists like Claude Monet, Khalil Gibran, Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Dali, and so forth.Also, this is the moment when I saw Van Gogh’s work for the first time. I was overcome with intense emotions, feeling goosebumps and even finding my eyes welling up with tears.
The third and second floors offered further exploration, with the Old European and New Hispanic sections showcasing artistic treasures from diverse periods and regions. The Asia Marfil section, specifically, contained over 600 pieces that represented the cultural and philosophical legacy of Asia, providing a comprehensive and thought-provoking experience.
To end my visit to Museo Soumaya, while stepping down the stairs to reach the first floor, I saw two iconic works: The Gates of Hell and The Thinker by Auguste Rodin, as well as the vibrant still life and the evocative Day and Night paintings by Rufino Tamayo, displayed next to a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
The Museo Soumaya stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and unite people from all walks of life. Through free admission and an extensive collection that spans centuries and continents, the museum fosters an environment where art can be appreciated, studied, and celebrated without financial barriers.