Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones
This sixteenth-century religious building, the scene of the battles of the Mexican-American War of 1847, contains displays and explanations of Mexico’s complex nineteenth-century history and its conflicts with Spain, France, and the United States. Exhibits include pre-Hispanic artefacts from the time of Huitzilopochco’s rule and the early years of the vice-regal period.
Declared a national monument in 1869 by President Benito Juárez, the building opened its doors as the National Museum of Interventions on September 13, 1981. With its focus on the events that have helped forge Mexico’s national identity and current foreign policy, the museum is founded on two core principles: non-interventionism and the right of nations to self-determination.
The museum’s ten galleries provide visitors with clear explanations about the historical processes and armed interventions that took place in Mexico during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, principally the War of Independence, the Spanish Intervention of 1829, the French interventions of 1838-1839 (the “Pastry War”) and 1862-1867, and the US interventions of 1846-1848, 1914 and 1916.
Historical events are illustrated with graphics, paintings, lithographs, prints, photographs, maps, documents, bladed weapons and firearms (canons, rifles, pistols, bullets, sabers, swords, mallets, machetes), flags and uniforms, medals and insignia, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and furniture. Of particular interest is the partition screen depicting Mexico’s battle against the French on May 5, 1862, painted by Miguel Zetina in 1872, and Carl Nebel’s lithographs portraying the US-Mexico War from the perspective of the interests of Mexico’s northern neighbor.
The museum also boasts magnificent examples of seventeenth and eighteenth-century religious art, and since November 1999 a permanent exhibition has given visitors the chance to see some of the most impressive objects from this important collection. Subsequently, in April 2002, the Ex Convento de Churubusco’s kitchens were opened to the public, and April 2006 saw the inauguration of the Don Gastón García Cantú multi-purpose hall and the “Catalejo de la Historia” reference library for those curious to learn more about Mexican history through books, leaflets, videos and audio recordings. Other areas in this former monastery now open to the public include the washrooms and refectory—where two archeological niches are on view, as well as the original seventeenth-century floors, wash basins and two internal spaces.
The Ex Convento de Churubusco is a building that lies at the intersection of three emblematic periods: the pre-Hispanic rule of Huitzilopochco—known today as Churubusco; the era of the Convento de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, construction of which began with the arrival of the Franciscans in 1524; and the military fortress constructed in the monastery in an effort to prevent the advance of US troops during the military intervention of 1847.
Vestibule
In memory of the 1847 Battle of Churubusco, in 1869, after defeating the French Intervention and restoring the Republic, Benito Juárez decreed that the former Convento de Churubusco be recognized as a "National Monument." In 1919, Venustiano Carranza reaffirmed the site's status and added t
Vestibule
In memory of the 1847 Battle of Churubusco, in 1869, after defeating the French Intervention and restoring the Republic, Benito Juárez decreed that the former Convento de Churubusco be recognized as a "National Monument." In 1919, Venustiano Carranza reaffirmed the site's status and added that it should house a history museum.
The First Armed Interventions in Mexico
Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821. Exhausted and impoverished by ten years of war, it began the process of nation-building.
The First Armed Interventions in Mexico
Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821. Exhausted and impoverished by ten years of war, it began the process of nation-building. From that moment, it faced pressure from foreign powers needing natural resources, markets for their surplus production, territories to accommodate their population, or political enclaves to facilitate their influence.
The French Intervention and the Empire (1862–1867)
In July 1861, President Benito Juárez suspended Mexico’s foreign debt payments for two years. Seeing an opportunity to extend his influence in the Americas—while the United States was embroiled in its Civil War—Napoleon III of France set his sights on invading Mexico.
The French Intervention and the Empire (1862–1867)
In July 1861, President Benito Juárez suspended Mexico’s foreign debt payments for two years. Seeing an opportunity to extend his influence in the Americas—while the United States was embroiled in its Civil War—Napoleon III of France set his sights on invading Mexico. France, Spain, and Britain broke diplomatic ties with Mexico, formed the Triple Alliance, and sent troops. While Britain and Spain eventually withdrew, France pressed forward. In April 1862, the French army began its military intervention in Mexico.
The Invasion of Veracruz, 1914
On April 21, 1914, the Port of Veracruz was bombarded and invaded by a U.S. naval fleet. The pretext was President Victoriano Huerta’s refusal to comply with a U.S. demand to raise the American flag at the port.
The Invasion of Veracruz, 1914
On April 21, 1914, the Port of Veracruz was bombarded and invaded by a U.S. naval fleet. The pretext was President Victoriano Huerta’s refusal to comply with a U.S. demand to raise the American flag at the port. Without a formal declaration of war, Admiral Fletcher led the assault and occupation. The result was death and destruction. The defense of Veracruz by the Mexican Navy and civilians was marked by acts of heroism. Still, the U.S. Marines, equipped with superior weaponry, took control of the port.
Independence and the Interventions
Mexico emerged as an independent nation with vast territory but economically exhausted after ten years of war. Nation-building faced significant challenges, including the need to define political organization, institutions, and laws.
Independence and the Interventions
Mexico emerged as an independent nation with vast territory but economically exhausted after ten years of war. Nation-building faced significant challenges, including the need to define political organization, institutions, and laws. Conservatives and liberals clashed for over 50 years over the Republic or Monarchy and the secular state.
The U.S. Intervention, 1846–1848
The U.S. military intervention in Mexico between 1846 and 1848 stands as the most serious conflict between the two nations. The war of 1847, fought between two very unequal countries, shaped the future of both.
The U.S. Intervention, 1846–1848
The U.S. military intervention in Mexico between 1846 and 1848 stands as the most serious conflict between the two nations. The war of 1847, fought between two very unequal countries, shaped the future of both. For Mexico, the outcome was devastating: just a few years after gaining independence from Spain and still in the early stages of nation-building, it lost over half of its territory. Meanwhile, the United States, in full territorial expansion and backed by a well-equipped army, extended its southern borders and began consolidating its position as a continental and hemispheric power.
The Porfiriato
Porfirio Díaz Mori ruled Mexico for over 30 years (1876–1880 and 1884–1911), bringing a period of relative peace and unprecedented economic growth. However, he altered the Constitution to allow for indefinite reelection and consolidated political, economic, and military power.
The Porfiriato
Porfirio Díaz Mori ruled Mexico for over 30 years (1876–1880 and 1884–1911), bringing a period of relative peace and unprecedented economic growth. However, he altered the Constitution to allow for indefinite reelection and consolidated political, economic, and military power. While the Díaz regime introduced modernization and progress, the benefits were enjoyed by a privileged few. In contrast, much of the population—whether in the countryside, cities, or industrial centers—faced poverty, land dispossession, repression, and labor exploitation.
1916: Pershing's Punitive Expedition Against Villa
In 1916, U.S. General John J. Pershing led the Punitive Expedition into northern Mexico, initially with 5,000 soldiers, later growing to 12,000. For the first time in U.S. military history, the campaign saw the use of motor vehicles, tanks, and aircraft.
1916: Pershing's Punitive Expedition Against Villa
In 1916, U.S. General John J. Pershing led the Punitive Expedition into northern Mexico, initially with 5,000 soldiers, later growing to 12,000. For the first time in U.S. military history, the campaign saw the use of motor vehicles, tanks, and aircraft. Despite the scale and technology of the operation, the mission failed to capture Pancho Villa.
Mexico's Independence
The discontent of the Creoles united with that of the indigenous and mestizos, leading to the struggle for Independence. The objectives were equality, the end of privileges, and the removal of bad governance.
The War Between Mexico and the United States
The U.S.-Mexico War (1846–1848) was driven by the goal of expanding U.S. territory. The annexation of Texas in 1845—which Mexico never recognized—sparked the greatest conflict in the history of the two countries. At the same time, the U.S.
The War Between Mexico and the United States
The U.S.-Mexico War (1846–1848) was driven by the goal of expanding U.S. territory. The annexation of Texas in 1845—which Mexico never recognized—sparked the greatest conflict in the history of the two countries. At the same time, the U.S. government pressed to acquire New Mexico and Upper California, despite Mexico's refusal. Tensions escalated, and the U.S. launched military campaigns in New Mexico, California, Texas, Nuevo León, Coahuila, and Chihuahua. The first clash between the two armies occurred along the banks of the Río Bravo (Rio Grande) in April 1846. President James Polk declared war on Mexico on May 13, 1846.
The Social Revolution, 1910–1917
On November 20, 1910, the Mexican Revolution broke out, led by Francisco I. Madero. Francisco Villa rose in the north, while Emiliano Zapata led the fight in the south. In May 1911, the revolutionary forces of Villa and Pascual Orozco captured Ciudad Juárez.
The Social Revolution, 1910–1917
On November 20, 1910, the Mexican Revolution broke out, led by Francisco I. Madero. Francisco Villa rose in the north, while Emiliano Zapata led the fight in the south. In May 1911, the revolutionary forces of Villa and Pascual Orozco captured Ciudad Juárez. The fall of the Porfirian dictatorship marked a significant victory for Madero. The signing of the Treaties of Ciudad Juárez led to the resignation and exile of Porfirio Díaz. Interim President Francisco León de la Barra then called for national elections.
Ante-Refectorium
This room served as a gathering place for the friars before entering the refectory for their meals, functioning as a vestibule. It was common to find friars, invited guests, or local residents seated on the benches attached to the walls, known as "poyos".
Ante-Refectorium
This room served as a gathering place for the friars before entering the refectory for their meals, functioning as a vestibule. It was common to find friars, invited guests, or local residents seated on the benches attached to the walls, known as "poyos".
Connected to the lower cloister, it shared the lively atmosphere of that area. The walls were adorned with grisaille murals—monochromatic paintings in shades of gray depicting scenes from the daily life of the friars of the Order of Saint Diego, which can still be appreciated today.
Some sections of the walls are decorated with Talavera tiles crafted in the convent's ceramic workshop.
Ante-Sacristy
The entrance to the ante-sacristy features an elaborate fresco painting above the doorway, centered around a shield referencing the Dominican Order.
Ante-Sacristy
The entrance to the ante-sacristy features an elaborate fresco painting above the doorway, centered around a shield referencing the Dominican Order.
Inside, there is a holy water font with a small cross carved in stone attached to the wall. Nearby, a framed mystical sonnet is displayed. This literary form was a cultural expression at the end of the colonial period in New Spain.
The sacristy remains in use by the Templo de San Diego Churubusco.
Bath of Pleasures
The Bath of Pleasures was intended to preserve the health of the friars. The infirmarian or apothecary, who was required to have medical and herbal knowledge, was in charge of this space.
Bath of Pleasures
The Bath of Pleasures was intended to preserve the health of the friars. The infirmarian or apothecary, who was required to have medical and herbal knowledge, was in charge of this space. It was closely connected to the garden and the kitchen, as all three areas served to maintain the community's well-being.
Lower Cloister
The lower cloister was one of the areas of the convent where the street noise could be heard. It was frequented by neighbors and travelers who entered the convent to request religious services, visit family members, or simply to fetch water from the central fountain.
Lower Cloister
The lower cloister was one of the areas of the convent where the street noise could be heard. It was frequented by neighbors and travelers who entered the convent to request religious services, visit family members, or simply to fetch water from the central fountain. Access to this space was through the portería (entrance hall).
Friars and students were prohibited from entering the cloister, as it marked the beginning of worldly temptations. However, some friars did not adhere to this rule.
Service Courtyard
The corridor leading from the "portón de campo" (field gate) to the ante-refectorium was a bustling service courtyard during the conventual era.
Service Courtyard
The corridor leading from the "portón de campo" (field gate) to the ante-refectorium was a bustling service courtyard during the conventual era. Activities such as slaughtering animals for food preparation, bringing in firewood and charcoal, and transporting vegetables and fruits from the garden to the kitchen took place here.
Smaller Courtyard
The smaller courtyard was a space for meditation and retreat for the friars and students training at the Colegio de Churubusco. It also featured outdoor games like hoops, bocce, and tejoleta for the community's recreation.
Pilgrims' Portal
The convent was frequently visited by travelers or muleteers journeying between Mexico City and southern towns. They would stop to rest, eat, or spend the night. The friars offered them hospitality, serving a humble meal known as "sopa boba"—leftover food from the friars' meals.
Pilgrims' Portal
The convent was frequently visited by travelers or muleteers journeying between Mexico City and southern towns. They would stop to rest, eat, or spend the night. The friars offered them hospitality, serving a humble meal known as "sopa boba"—leftover food from the friars' meals. In exchange for their hospitality, the friars received alms or small gifts that enriched the kitchen's pantry or the church's altars.
Entrance Hall
The portería is the main entrance to the Convento de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles and provides access to the convent's public areas: lower cloister, ante-sacristy, ante-refectorium, and service courtyard.
Entrance Hall
The portería is the main entrance to the Convento de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles and provides access to the convent's public areas: lower cloister, ante-sacristy, ante-refectorium, and service courtyard. The fresco murals decorating this space feature ritual phrases and possibly two images representing saints of the Diego Order.
Field Gate
The field gate was a service door through which draft and domestic animals, food, firewood, and materials needed for daily sustenance entered. Above the gate is the guard's lookout, where friars could observe the surrounding village amidst the cornfields and irrigation canals.
Field Gate
The field gate was a service door through which draft and domestic animals, food, firewood, and materials needed for daily sustenance entered. Above the gate is the guard's lookout, where friars could observe the surrounding village amidst the cornfields and irrigation canals.
Adjacent to the large gate, on the right-hand side, is a niche where the porter friar stood, responsible for granting or denying access. This gate remained open throughout the day and was closed at the evening "angelus" bell, marking the time for the rosary.
Convent's Refectory
According to the Order's Rule, meals had to be consumed in the refectory. All friars gathered at the designated times and took their places at the tables.
Convent's Refectory
According to the Order's Rule, meals had to be consumed in the refectory. All friars gathered at the designated times and took their places at the tables.
On certain occasions, in addition to accompanying meals with edifying readings, a group of friars or laypeople might perform musical pieces. During festive days, the friars' table was filled with moles, pipianes, various roasted meats, empanadas, sweets, and fine wines.
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- DirecciónSusana Beatriz Avilés Aguirresusana_aviles@inah.gob.mx+52 (55) 5604 09 81
