Fodor's Expert Review Palacio de Bellas Artes

Construction on this colossal white-marble opera house began in 1904 by Porfirio Díaz, who wanted to add yet another ornamental building to his accomplishments. The striking structure is the work of Italian Adamo Boari, who also designed the post office; pre-Hispanic motifs trim the art deco facade. In fact, Boari was only present during the construction of the facade. The Revolution brought about an economic crisis, and he left the country in 1916. The opera house was not inaugurated until 1934. Inside the concert hall a Tiffany stained-glass curtain depicts the two volcanoes outside Mexico City. For an entrance fee you can see the interior, with its paintings by several celebrated Mexican artists, including Rufino Tamayo and Mexico's most famous trio of muralists: Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros. There are interesting temporary art exhibitions as well, plus an elegant cafeteria and a bookshop with a great selection of art books and magazines.