Monterrey - Gran Plaza
Opened in 1984 the Gran Plaza (Marco Polo) extends between the Palacio de Gobierno and the modern new town hall situated to the south. This 40 ha (99 acre) complex is five times larger than the Zócalo in Mexico City. At the Palacio de Gobierno the Esplanada de los Héroes (Heroes' Esplanade) leads past memorials to Miguel Hidalgo, José Maria Morelos, Benito Juárez and Mariano Escobedo.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
The waters of the impressive 60 m (197 ft) 3 30 m (99 ft) Fuente de la Vida (Neptune Fountain) pour over three levels between bronze sculptures by Luis Sanginio. The single-towered cathedral on the west side of the square was begun in 1603 and completed in 1851. Opposite, on the east side, stands the remarkable 76 m (249 ft)-tall monument by Luis Barragán from whose Point of the Night a laser beam is directed up into the sky. The equestrian statue of General Zaragoza and the memorial to the city's founder Diego de Montemayor are in the centre of the southern part of the Gran Plaza. Rufino Tamayo's sculpture called "Homage to the Sun" occupies a position near the Palacio Municipal (town hall) which adjoins the square.
Related Attractions
Museum of Contemporary Art
The grandiose Museum of Contemporary Art (MARCO), designed by Ricardo Legorreta, was opened in 1991. It stands on Gran Plaza, Zuazo and Ocampo. As well as some excellent temporary exhibitions there is a permanent exhibition of modern paintings.
Museo Metropolitano de Monterrey (Old Palacio Municipal)
This museum offers visitors a look at the history of the city. The building was originally built in 1612 housing government offices and was rebuilt in 1845 for the museum.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Museo de Historia Mexicana
Built in 1994, this hi-tech museum offers visitors a look at artifacts. The museum boasts interactive video exhibits, as well as games and a theater.
Museo de Historia Mexicana
Dr. Coss 445 Sur
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64000
Mexico
Dr. Coss 445 Sur
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64000
Mexico
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
Read More