Workmen are frantically putting the final touches to Carlos Slim's Soumaya gallery due to open to the public on March 29th. Fortunately it looks like only the final two of 16,000 shimmering aluminium hexagon scales need to be slotted into place....
Telecom tycoon, Carlos Slim, still listed as the richest man in the world according to Forbes, is intending to exhibit a much more substantial part of his private art collection which in total adds up to some 66,000 pieces. Previously a small selection has been displayed at the Soumaya gallery at Plaza Loreta in San Angel, a colonia in the south of the city. The new glittery building, shown in its entirety below, is located in Polanco in a new development called Plaza Carso, directly behind the Antara Mall.
The very striking building, a little reminiscent of the Guggenheim in Bilbao in its shininess and stunning metallic planes and curves, has been designed by Slim's son-in-law; a young architect named Fernando Romero. It is indeed an impressive addition to Mexico City's skyline...
The gallery will contain a mixture of works - some by very well known Mexican artists Tamayo and Rivera, but a great deal more will be by European artists, including the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of France....
Although the private opening and gala celebration has already taken place, the overall site is still one of construction with teams of builders working round the clock to get the building - exterior, interior, and surrounding locality ready for the end of March opening.......
Slim is hoping for this new gallery to be of world status and to put Mexico City firmly on the Art map globally...I will post after the opening to report on the gallery's initial success and popularity, as well as more about the interior and the contents...
In the meantime, I quite like the shot of the building from this angle, whereby it appears like a silver spaceship just landed from Outer Space....or just about to take off!!
Entrance to the Museum will be free as supposedly Slim wants Mexicans who can't afford to travel to be able to come and see work by the European Masters. For more global glimpses this week, check out My World Tuesday by clicking here....Enjoy!
13 comments:
Wow-that is absolutely amazing! At least he shares his wealth with the world in a very unique way!
Well, the first shot made me somewhat giddy. Nice pictures, though. Good on him to share his collection. I hope he doesn't charge for the entrance, though. :-)
Greetings from London.
that's mighty big of him to show these pieces of art for free. would love to find myself there someday somehow.
What a work of art itself - and thanks for the positive image of Mexico and Mexico City. We only hear the scary, bad stuff for the most part.
What an amazingly gigantic swoop and the “fish” scales give it a nautical feel. I believe I have seen this man, widower Carlos Slim, interviewed once … and he sounded extremely modest and level headed for such a wealthy man. So nice that he named the museum after his wife and that people will be able to visit these incredible works of art for free!
Amazing building! Hope the interior will be as nice and interesting! Comparing with the Bilbao Guggenheim, I must say that I think it's fantastc from the outside, but quite disappointing inside, not so much for what is shown, but it's quite empty.
Fantastic building and how wonderful that he shares with the world! We could use more like him in the world for sure!! Terrific captures as always, Catherine! Have a great week!
Sylvia
Wonderful creation, great idea being executed so well. I like the collages.
An amazing building and a wonderful concept, giving Mexicans a chance to see famous artworks for free.
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Wow! that's some building. Interesting shots too!
Very impressive art. Love to visit there someday.
That's a stunning building and your photographs really show it off well. Someday I'd love to visit there.
Beautiful shots!
My Shadow Shot, have a lovely weekend!
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