A hundred years ago, in June 1925, a new urban development began to take shape in Mexico City – a residential project that would evolve into one of the country’s most iconic, culturally rich, and architecturally unique neighborhoods: La Condesa.

Real estate entrepreneur José G. de la Lama announced the sale of lots in a newly planned residential district called Colonia Hipódromo, built over the grounds of the former horse racetrack (hipódromo) in the Condesa area.

The old racetrack was planned as a luxurious escape for Mexico City’s elite. It opened in November 1910 – the same month the Revolution began, launching a nationwide struggle against the very social inequalities the racetrack symbolized.

This new neighborhood, however, wasn’t designed like most others in the city.

Architect José Luis Cuevas broke away from the typical grid system common in Mexican urban planning. Instead, he created a grand circular boulevard, originally named Avenida del Hipódromo – now known as Avenida Ámsterdam.

It’s a winding loop that curves back on itself, lined with trees and shaded walkways, giving the neighborhood its distinct, almost European feel. For those seeking an Art déco walking tour in Mexico City, this area remains a top highlight.

A city searching for identity

In the aftermath of the revolution, Mexico’s new leaders were trying to forge a sense of national identity. Intellectuals and politicians wanted to reconnect with Mexico’s cultural roots, especially through architecture.

Under the influence of cultural reformer José Vasconcelos, the government even offered tax breaks to architects who adopted the neocolonial style – a revival of Mexico’s baroque and colonial past. But this attempt largely fell flat with modern architects.

At the same time, influential thinkers were publishing works about Mexican identity and its place in the world. Then, in 1925, a major global event would shift everything: the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris.

Enter: Art déco

The Paris exhibition in 1925 introduced the world to a bold and visually striking new aesthetic style: art déco. While the name wasn’t formally coined until 1966, the style rapidly influenced architecture, fashion, furniture, and graphic design worldwide.

This new style was defined by its sleek lines, symmetrical forms, and geometric elegance – an aesthetic that embraced modern industrial materials while drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations and their timeless visual motifs.

One of the most unexpected yet powerful influences was the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by British archaeologist Howard Carter, an event that ignited a global fascination with ancient cultures and their rich symbolic traditions.

Mexico, in the midst of defining its post-revolutionary identity and eager to bridge modern aspirations with indigenous heritage, found the perfect stylistic solution in Art déco, which helped shape Mexico City’s now-celebrated architectural legacy.

Mexican architects began to create solid, monumental structures with bold façades, incorporating decorative details drawn from pre-Hispanic cultures – such as grecas (geometric patterns), stylized masks, and stepped temple-like designs.

This innovative fusion of futuristic elegance and ancient indigenous symbolism gave rise to a distinct architectural identity – one that would later be recognized as the hallmark of Mexican Art déco and its enduring cultural significance.

The Art déco boom in Mexico City

The boom in Art déco architecture coincided with Mexico City’s rapid growth in the 1920s and 1930s. As large estates and ranches were broken up to make way for new residential neighborhoods, architects had room to experiment.

They used modern materials like granite, marble, brass, aluminum, etched glass, and Portland cement, often paired with beautiful custom typography that still delights design lovers today.

Neighborhoods like La Condesa, Roma, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Santa María la Ribera, and Doctores soon filled with elegant buildings in the new style. The most prominent architects of the era left a lasting imprint on the urban landscape.

Those interested in Art déco architecture in Mexico City will find these neighborhoods rich with examples of the style, each telling a story of the capital’s modernization and artistic experimentation.

While much of Mexico City’s art déco heritage has sadly been lost to time, demolitions, and modernization, pockets of this architectural treasure remain – especially in Colonia Hipódromo, the neighborhood first announced in 1925.

According to a 2015 study by researcher Carolina Magaña, while only a few dozen Art déco buildings remain scattered across central Mexico City, the highest concentration is still in the area once built over the old horse racetrack.

A legacy that still enchants

Art déco became the signature style of a hopeful, modern Mexico in the 1920s and 1930s.

Today, walking through the leafy streets of Condesa and Hipódromo is like stepping into a glamorous chapter of the city’s past—a place where modern ideals met ancient inspiration, and where architecture became a statement of identity, elegance, and ambition.

For visitors and locals alike, these buildings are more than just homes or offices – they are monuments to a time when Mexico looked to the future while honoring its roots. This makes La Condesa tourism especially appealing for those interested in history, culture, and design.

Things to do in La Condesa

La Condesa is also known for its dynamic nightlife, dog-friendly parks, weekend markets, and trendy boutiques, making this neighborhood a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking culture, charm, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Stroll along the leafy Avenida Ámsterdam, explore the elegant Parque México, and enjoy the neighborhood’s blend of art, architecture, and vibrant street life. Relax in stylish cafes, discover hidden bookstores, or admire the area’s rich collection of Art déco architecture.

How to get to La Condesa

The closest metro stations are Chilpancingo (Line 9), Patriotismo (Line 9), and Sevilla (Line 1), all within walking distance of the neighborhood. Public buses also serve the area, with several routes stopping along Avenida Insurgentes and Circuito Interior.

Once you arrive, La Condesa is easily explored on foot or by bike.