Centro Comunitario Culhuacán
This sixteenth-century Augustinian monastery built in the Renaissance style boasts remarkable frescos, a collection of pre-Hispanic, viceregal, religious and everyday objects, as well as the remains of Latin America’s first paper mill.
Set in the heart of the Iztapalapa district, this Renaissance-style monastery is a veritable architectural jewel. The magnificent, two-story construction was built out of volcanic rock in 1562 as a the center for the Augustinian friars to carry out their evangelical work. It occupied a prime location on the western slopes of the Cerro de la Estrella (“Huizachtepetl” or “hill of the star”) and on the north shore of the Chalco-Xochimilco lake, on the site of Culhuacan, a pre-Hispanic settlement inhabited, according to archeological studies, between 600 and 800 AD.
The historic monument covers a total area of 2.6 acres and has corridors with frescos that reflect the skill of Culhuacan’s “tlacuilos” or painters; the images are largely well preserved and show scenes from the life of Christ, figures from the Augustinian and other religious orders, as well as episodes from the lives of some saints. The building continued to be used as a monastery until 1756, when the Spanish crown divested power from the religious orders. It was subsequently occupied as a parish church, as barracks for Emiliano Zapata’s troops, and as a local administrative center, among other uses. Later abandoned, it became seriously dilapidated until, in 1944, it was declared a historic monument and the National Institute of History and Anthropology (INAH) set about restoring it. A decision was taken in 1985 to turn it into a museum, with a collection including original objects from the pre-Hispanic and colonial periods.
The first four permanent exhibition galleries were opened to the public a decade later and focused on the former lake region of Culhuacan, its Toltec heritage, Mexica rule, the building’s importance as a religious center, and the early stages of the viceregal period.
Two cells on the upper cloisters (north corridor) were refurbished in 2003 in order to recreate how they looked when occupied by the Augustinians and to install a photographic exhibit documenting the different stages of the building’s restoration. The remains of Latin America’s first paper mill are located a short walk from the monument; this factory was built in order to remedy the paper shortages that delayed the printing of religious publications for the evangelization of the indigenous population.
The Lordship of Culhuacán and the Lacustrine Environment
This section illustrates the origins of the Culhua lordship (circa 700 CE), highlighting its geographic location within the Valley of Mexico and its sacred site, the Hill of the Star (Huizachtépetl), according to Culhua tradition.
Toward Mexica Domination
This gallery explores the continued ceremonial importance of Culhuacán, which maintained its status as a major ritual center despite being a tributary town under the rule of Mexico-Tenochtitlan. It was regarded as a community of great influence among the city-states of the lake region.
Toward Mexica Domination
This gallery explores the continued ceremonial importance of Culhuacán, which maintained its status as a major ritual center despite being a tributary town under the rule of Mexico-Tenochtitlan. It was regarded as a community of great influence among the city-states of the lake region. Notable pieces include the volcanic basalt sculpture of the goddess "Chicomecóatl" (Seven Serpent) and sculpted maize cobs, as well as clay offerings associated with festivals devoted to fertility, agriculture, and water deities.
Also on display are elements of daily and domestic life, particularly traditional crafts mastered by the people of Culhuacán, such as stone carving (lapidary), basketry, and "chinampa" (raised-bed) agriculture, along with salt extraction practices.
Culhuacán's Enduring Role as a Religious Center
This gallery highlights Culhuacán’s continued significance as a ceremonial center. Among the traditions that persisted during this period was the celebration of the "New Fire" ritual.
Culhuacán's Enduring Role as a Religious Center
This gallery highlights Culhuacán’s continued significance as a ceremonial center. Among the traditions that persisted during this period was the celebration of the "New Fire" ritual. The room features two molded clay pieces of special religious value, both linked to the cult of "Tlaloc", the god of water: a mask-shaped urn and a ceremonial brazier adorned with symbols of the maguey plant, which was considered sacred. Other objects used in festive religious celebrations include whistles, flutes, rattles, and "pulque" cups. This gallery concludes with depictions of the Spanish Conquest, illustrating both the armed conflict and the subsequent process of evangelization.
Colonial Period
Located in what was originally the friars’ private chapel, this gallery focuses on the evangelization activities of the colonial period. On display are artifacts recovered from the church that once formed part of the monastic complex, built between 1560 and 1570.
Colonial Period
Located in what was originally the friars’ private chapel, this gallery focuses on the evangelization activities of the colonial period. On display are artifacts recovered from the church that once formed part of the monastic complex, built between 1560 and 1570. These include wood-carved pieces such as four altarpiece columns and a pulpit base—remarkably preserved and valuable examples of Mexico’s colonial art.
To recreate the ambiance of the chapel, the altar is decorated with oil paintings and wooden sculptures of saints. Also featured are two baptismal record books from the surrounding neighborhoods, showcasing the original handwriting of the friars.
Another significant element of this gallery is the historical account of the first paper mill in the Americas, established in 1580. The convent housed a seminary for Indigenous languages, which required large amounts of paper for catechisms—essential tools for the friars’ missionary work.
The gallery concludes with a representation of a traditional altar featuring an 18th-century oil painting of Christ’s face. This ties to a religious and cultural practice still alive in Culhuacán today: "mayordomía", a system of religious stewardship that has its roots in the colonial period.
Photographic Exhibition
This exhibition presents a visual record of the building’s restoration, tracing its transformation from abandonment in the late 18th century to its present-day preservation.
Main Entrance
Here, visitors can admire Renaissance-era friezes adorned with symbolic motifs from that period.
Church
The former Convent of San Juan Evangelista preserves remnants of its original 16th-century church. Confessionals used during the early evangelization period remain visible and connect to the interior of the cloister.
Vestibule
This space features a mural depicting Saint Augustine of Hippo, founder of the Augustinian order, shown in his characteristic robes.
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- DirecciónMaría del Carmen Mendoza Aburtocarmen_mendoza@inah.gob.mx+52 (55) 4166 07 70, ext. 4135AdministraciónJuana Inés de la Fuente Godínezjuana_delafuente@inah.gob.mx+52 (55) 4166 0770 ext. 413506Comunicación EducativaAdriana Castor Álvarezadriana_castor@inah.gob.mx+52 (55) 4166 07 80 ext. 41350Vigilancia+52 (55) 4166 07 80 ext. 41351
