Los Pinos was the official residence of Mexico's presidents until 2018. It is now a free cultural center inside Chapultepec Park, in Mexico City. The complex covers about 14 acres of gardens and several houses, including Casa Miguel Alemán and Casa Lázaro Cárdenas. Some rooms are sparsely furnished, so the grounds and the history are the main draw. Photography exhibitions, workshops and concerts are held on site, and a visitors' centre explains the history of the park. Plan about two hours to walk the whole complex.
From presidential residence to public site
Los Pinos served as the official residence of Mexico's presidents until 2018. After that it was opened to the public as a cultural complex, and anyone can now walk through the grounds where the country's leaders lived and worked.
The site sits within the first section of Chapultepec Park, on Calzada del Rey. It is a newer attraction than most of the park's older museums, and it is less visited than they are. That makes it a calmer stop.
The houses and the gardens
The complex holds several residences. Casa Miguel Alemán and Casa Lázaro Cárdenas are the best known, each named for the president associated with it. Some presidents chose to build a house in their own style on the property rather than live in the main presidential house, so the buildings differ from one another.
Some rooms have little furniture, and the interiors are simpler than the title of presidential residence might suggest. The houses show how the presidents lived, but the larger part of a visit is the setting. Gardens cover about 14 acres, and historical markers along the paths explain what stood where. A gallery of Mexico's presidents is part of the visit.
The Museo de Sitio, which works as a visitors' centre, gives information about the history of the park itself.
Exhibitions and events
Los Pinos works as an active cultural center. Its program includes photography exhibitions, workshops, concerts and festivals, along with contemporary art shown from time to time. What is on varies by date, so check the center's website before you go if you want to see a particular exhibition.
The complex also has the practical comforts that make a long walk easier: clean, free restrooms and the Passmar Cafe, where shaded tables give a quiet break from the busier parts of the park.
Planning the walk
Most visitors spend about two hours here. The paths between the houses are long, so the visit involves more walking than the compact site plan suggests.
Getting there takes some effort. The nearest Metro station is about 25 minutes away, and the entrance is not obvious from the main routes through the park. The entrance, the restrooms and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Admission is free.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee at Los Pinos?
No. Admission to the complex is free.
How long do you need at Complejo Cultural Los Pinos?
About two hours is enough to see the houses and walk through the gardens. Add time if there is an exhibition or event on.
Which day is Los Pinos closed?
It is closed on Mondays and open the other days of the week.
Where is Los Pinos and how do you get there?
It is inside Chapultepec Park, on Calzada del Rey, in the Miguel Hidalgo area of Mexico City. The nearest Metro station is about 25 minutes away.
Is Los Pinos wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are all wheelchair accessible.
