Museo de la Revolucion in Chihuahua

Located in the center of the northern State of Chihuahua and its capital, this city is the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution and the land where the social movement that generated radical changes in the political and social history of our nation were planned.

A calm and productive city, surrounded by valleys and mountains, it was once the most important center on the country’s north, for its railway connections to the country’s capital and Texas, as well as its fruitful silver mines and vast livestock and agricultural activities.

Chihuahua is famous not only for the arduous work and hospitality of its residents, the famous excellent quality of the beef produced in the state and its architectural monuments from the Colonial Era, but also because it has always been a fundamental part of the events that have changed the destiny of all Mexicans.

Strong and hard-working men, committed not only to their community but also to their country, Chihuahuenses find in ‘Caudillo del Norte’ – who they venerate in a highly particular way – an idol of the Mexican Revolution: General Francisco Villa – or Pancho Villa, as he is commonly known. This important figure of recent Mexican history, whose real name was Doroteo Arango, was the absolute leader of ‘División del Norte’, always accompanied by the famous ‘dorados de Villa’, the army that helped him in his revolutionary battles.

There are endless stories about Pancho Villa that have turned him into a legend, although it would be impossible to not recognize him as one of the creators of Mexico’s Revolution and the social, political and economical changes it caused.

As a tribute to Villa and to preserve our history, the Museum of the Mexican Revolution was created in the city of Chihuahua, located precisely on the grounds that once served as home to the leader and his wife, Luz Corral, who lived in this wonderful residence until her death at a very old age. The building is also known as “Quinta Luz”, named by Villa in honor of his dear wife.

It was used as the couple’s residence and also general barracks for the revolutionary acts he lead. Without a doubt, magnificent events of great importance happened at this property that paved the way for the achievements he won on his revolutionary fight. Francisco Villa died murdered by his detractors in an ambush while driving his car through the city of Hidalgo del Parral, in 1923.

His widow, Doña Luz, generously donated this property to the Government of Mexico in 1981, on the condition it became in what it is today: the Mexican Revolution Museum, where the history of this social movement is told through objects, art, photographs, documents and weapons used by Villa during the tempestuous acts of 1910 and until his death. Even the automobile in which he was murdered is part of the collection displayed in the museum.

This museum is a very old house with two stories and a Basement, a central patio and a backyard that hosted the general barracks. Even the unmistakable prints of the great battles that took place in this patio can still be seen.

The National Fine Arts Institute achieved to rescue the building as well as the objects, historical documents and belongings of the General to turn in into a space that transports to Mexico’s recent history, one of the social movements of greatest relevance that changed the country’s path, as important as the Spanish Conquest and the War of Independence.

Visiting this museum gives you a greater knowledge of Mexico, its history and heroes, while paying homage to a man who earned respect and admiration around the world. The undisputed fame of General Francisco Villa was won day by day, battle by battle, with the bravery and perseverance that distinguish Chihuahua’s strong and powerful men.

Viva Mexico! Viva Chihuahua! Viva Pancho Villa! Come Celebrate the Revolution’s Centennial and the Independence’s Bicentennial at this wonderful venue that perfectly frames these special anniversaries.

Information:

Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00 hr. and from 15:00 to 19:00 hr.
Sundays and Holidays from 9:00 to 17:00 hr.

Located on:
Calle 10 No. 3010 y Méndez
Col. Santa Rosa
Chihuahua, Chih.




Article Produced by the Editorial Team of Explorando Mexico.
Copyright: Explorando Mexico. All Rights Reserved.

Image: United States Library of Congress