Casa del Risco Museum

In front of the San Jacinto garden stands this beautiful 17th century mansion. Its construction and refurbishment have embraced the whims of history; at times, it has functioned as a residence or tenement building, and during critical moments, as a hospital and army barracks. It is now possible to visit it as a museum space. Its symmetrical facade is decorated with a cross and a central alcove, and within the niche stands the Virgin of Loreto.

This place is emblematic of San Ángel thanks to the fountain inside it. It is a unique example of its kind, composed of a baroque altar formed of plates, platters, earthenware jars and European, Mexican and Chinese china cups; as well as shells and mirrors.

The house was bought by the diplomat Isidro Fabela who in 1958 decided to donate it to Mexico. As a museum, it presents the collection of its last owner. It is organized into seven halls with very well-defined themes that range from religious baroque art, to European religious art, civil baroque art, landscape paintings and folkloric scenes, portraits of kings and members of the nobility, and concludes with the dining table from the Fabela marriage, Isidro Fabela’s study and art from the 18th century through to the 20th century. It is well worth pausing to look at the stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the Stations of the Cross.