Museo Dolores Olmedo

"The eclectic collection at the Museo Dolores Olmedo includes a treasure trove of folk art representing traditions from the many diverse cultures of Mexico. It also boasts one of the largest exhibits of paintings by the famous Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera, who were close friends of the museum’s founder, businesswoman and art collector Dolores Olmedo. Housed in a colonial hacienda, the museum displays a large range of artifacts gathered during Olmedo’s lifetime, including several 17th-century Japanese and Chinese prints, lacquer, and ivory carvings. Yet the highlight of the museum may be its enormous collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts from civilizations such as the Olmec, Aztec, Huastecas, and Maya, many of which portray the Xoloitzcuintle dog, the emblem of the museum.  On the museum grounds, a large enclosure houses an actual living pack of these unique dogs, an ancient hairless breed that was a favorite pet of Olmedo’s and was considered sacred by the Aztecs, who believed the animals guided the dead through the underworld. Here too are flocks of African guinea fowl and geese, pheasants, bantam chickens, and muscovy ducks. But it’s the peacocks that really steal the show with their psychedelic plumage. They strut around the courtyards spreading out their tail feathers in front of admiring visitors in what seems to be a dazzling performance of vanity.  The gardens have a captivating charm, with sprawling lawns lined by gigantic eucalyptus and gnarled cypress trees. The grounds are dotted by large agave plants and cacti which, judging by their size, must be decades old, while colorful ornamental vines adorn all of the museum buildings in living walls of vibrant red, orange, and purple flowers." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

"Art patroness and businesswoman Dolores Olmedo Patiño lived at this Xochimilco area estate that became a museum in the 1990s. An impressive ode to Mexican identity, the MDO features a wowza collection of Riveras, and Kahlos, alongside pre-Hispanic and Mexican folk art. The treasures shine amid an extraordinary setting that includes dramatic gardens and lots of critters, particularly peafowl and hairless xolo dogs. Families love weekend visits that often include special arts activities for the wee ones."

"Dolores Olmedo was one of Diego Rivera's greatest patrons and her home, an ex-hacienda near Xochimilco, houses her collection of his works through the years, along with those of other artists and craftsmen she supported during her lifetime. While the collections are magnificent, and a real window into the breadth of Rivera's talents and career, the expansive grounds themselves—gorgeous native gardens that are home to her beloved hairless Xoloescuintle dogs and a family of peacocks—are a heavenly respite from the city's busy streets. In October and November, the museum puts on an awesome Day of the Dead display, as Doña Lola always did when she was alive."

"Late Mexican businesswoman Dolores Olmedo turned her estate into a museum in 1994, eight years before her death. The grounds, which are home to peacocks and so-ugly-they're-cute Mexican hairless dogs (Xoloitzcuintle), are as impressive as the hacienda-style architecture and Mexican art exhibits. Olmedo's private collection includes works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, plus Mesoamerican sculptures and figurines. Visitors can also gain insight into Olmedo's fascinating life by visiting her private quarters, filled with family photos and artworks collected during her many travels." - Susannah Rigg

"What’s this place all about? Late Mexican businesswoman Dolores Olmedo turned her estate into a museum in 1994, eight years before her death. The grounds, which are home to peacocks and so-ugly-they're-cute Mexican hairless dogs (Xoloitzcuintle), are as impressive as the hacienda-style architecture and Mexican art exhibits. How's the permanent collection? The museum houses the private collection of Dolores Olmedo, which includes works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Another section of the museum is dedicated to her vast collection of Mesoamerican sculptures and figurines. Visitors can also gain insight into Olmedo's fascinating life by visiting her private quarters, filled with family photos and artworks collected during her many travels. And the exhibits? The museum hosts seasonal exhibits throughout the year focused on specific artists, themes, mediums, or regions. What did you make of the crowd? Few tourists venture south of the city, where the museum is located. It rarely feels crowded, but if a particular exhibition space gets busy, you can always step out to the garden and return when it quiets down. On the practical tip, how were facilities? It's easy to navigate the museum, but those with mobility issues will want to take their time (and enjoy the views!) as they traverse the substantial distance between the entrance of the museum and the exhibition spaces. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? The shop has a great selection of very traditional Mexican goodies. They're not particularly cheap, but funds from the shop go toward museum maintenance, so consider it shopping for a worthy cause. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? If you get hungry, the café serves a selection of Mexican dishes. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? If you're on borrowed time, explore the gardens for twenty minutes and then check out the Rivera and Kahlo works, plus Olmedo's private rooms if you still have time." - Susannah Rigg