Polyforum Siqueiros Story by Comex Polyforum Siqueiros Galerias Polyforum Siqueiros Story by BNKR Arquitectura Galerias Polyforum Siqueiros

Galerias Polyforum Siqueiros

BNKR Arquitectura as Architects

Polyforum as its name suggests, is a multiple forum in which various cultural, political and social activities take place. In 1996 Manuel Suarez y Suarez commands the architects Guillermo Rosell de la Lama, Ramón Miquelajábregui and Joaquín Álvarez Ordoñez to realize the project which inaugurated in the year 1971.


This precinct with its base in the shape of a diamond was conceived mainly to house the largest mural in the world "The March of Humanity" who's creator is David Alfaro Siqueiros, he also added a theater and art galleries.


Recently, the galleries under-went a renovation responding to the necessities of dealing with a contemporary space but respecting the icon and era that the building represents.


The remodelling consists of a simpler ceiling panel at the inner central ring of the galleries. The modernization of the illumination system. Also the crystal window panels and elevator were glazed with a white translucent isinglass, thanks to a Comex sponsorship, an epoxic material was added to the floor. Lastly, a modern red reception desk was added to emphasize the entrance to the galleries.


Design: BNKR Arquitectura Partners: Esteban Suárez (Founding Partner) y Sebastián Suárez Project Leader: Adrian Aguilar TEAM: Diego Jasso & Hector Hernandez Area: 680 M2


Type: Commission Client: Private


Status: Completed 2011 Location:Mexico City, Mexico

Polyforum Siqueiros

Comex as Manufacturers

In Polyforum Siqueiros is the world's largest mural, "La marcha de la Humanidad en la Tierra y hacia el Cosmos", a representation of the struggle for justice and freedom, created by David Alfaro Siqueiros. This work measures 2,400 square meters in the interior walls and 8.700 square meters taking into account the building's exterior. It is made with acrylic paint and airbrush. It also has various called "escultopinturas" foil sculptures, composed of geometric shapes and lines, which gives color combination of light and shadow effects. In its Universal Forum a turntable is located 24 meters in diameter, which is used to present a sound and light show narrated with a voice recording Siqueiros himself. The origin dates back to 1971 Polyforum. It was built in order to promote, disseminate and preserve the art of Master David Alfaro. Moreover, with this mural, the artist completes his dream of making his ultimate creation, and Don Manuel Suarez and Suarez, who commissioned the work, built a cultural center for multiple forums: an auditorium, theater and galleries. "The Polyforum is a unique space, sui generis, not comparable with another for his contribution to the Mexican muralists," explains Erik Ramirez Enciso, director of culture of this place, and says: "Our mission is to promote the dissemination and keep it one of the leading art galleries in this country. " To keep the forum will have several sponsorships and promoted as a space for cultural and social events, such as theater, art exhibitions, fairs, conventions, conferences and social events. Funds from donations, contributions or sponsorships are deposited Siqueiros Foundation, AC, whose purpose is the preservation of the cultural center. NEW STAGE In December 2011, the Siqueiros Polyforum turned 40, to celebrate we planned a very ambitious project, which includes the renewal, which extends from its corporate image to their facilities. They started with the galleries, to develop the new concept were invited to participate to two architects: July Amezcua of 103 and Esteban Suárez At Bunker Architecture. Comex also invited to collaborate as sponsor, because it is a Mexican company and coating solutions has excellent quality, Enciso said. "We had old-fashioned materials such as carpets, walls with rough finishes and very poor lighting. It renewed the floor, the wall finishes, wood restored, is the case of the panels that have amazing artwork, "says cultural promoter. It also changed the name to Emerging Art Space for new artists. The second stage is expected to renew the theater, offices and forum space. "We have a breakthrough, but still missing. My dream, Enciso says, is to restore the exterior wall and keep up with maintenance, which is very expensive. It is therefore also important that more people visit us, while they know and marvel at this place." 

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