Mexico City Home Tour of Architect Luis Barragán
“So this is where they hide the light in Mexico City,” I thought as I stood in the entryway of the home of the world-renowned architect Luis Barragán.
A shaft of light moved down through the room like a gleaming knife cutting through a pink frosted cake. His chair was pulled out from the telephone table as if he’d just gotten off a call.
It was a sublime moment. A perfect balance between cool stucco and bright hot sunshine.
Modern shapes in traditional materials.
Mostly it was pink, and it was heaven.
Nothing does it for me like beautifully designed things.
Luis Barragán was a master of moving light through buildings. This was his home, up until his death in 1988, and I got the chance to glimpse how this master of ethereal utility lived his life.
Minimally, was the answer.
Carefully chosen items in varying shapes and weights were what my eye was drawn to. A horse here, a handpainted bowl there, a skull, a singular plant. He was definitely a fan of the swing-arm lamp.
He collected modern art and moving art and video art. Solid colors and metallics all reflecting and moving light around the home.
Chairs had heft and graceful curves, sofas were low and deep. Almost irresistible to the nap-takers in the group. Stairs went up and up to a roof deck shimmering in pink and grey and granite in the Mexico sunshine.
A collection of water jugs on the patio below became a crowd of terracotta warriors, the Mexican version. Vines swung low in front of chrome-framed glass windows and sliding doors. Heavy curtains kept out the mid-summer heat.
With special permission, I was able to take photos (but not any video) inside the house. The tour guide was exceptional. The ticket office was helpful and friendly. The shop was darling and had a hundred things I wish I had the room for.
This UNESCO Heritage site is one that will haunt me, inspire me, be a reference for a beautiful minimal lifestyle that offers a clean canvas for creativity.
Click below to see all the photos from the tour.
Want to visit when you are in Mexico City?
Here are the details:
You must buy a ticket in advance because they sell out quickly.
Tours are in groups of six people. Special booties will be worn over your shoes. Photographs are not allowed without purchasing a special ticket that includes photography.
Parking on the street is not possible. Your best bet is to take public transportation or Uber.
