The Hospicio Cabañas, now Museo Cabañas, was once the most impressive orphanage in Latin America. It is located in Guadalajara Jalisco.
The one-story building is neoclassical in style and was built between 1801 and 1810. The design is by the Spanish architect Manuel Tolsá, although the construction was in charge of one of his assistants, José Gutiérrez.
At first it was called "Casa de la Caridad y la Misericordia", although it finally took the name of its founder, Bishop Juan Ruiz de Cabañas y Crespo, and thus became the Hospicio Cabañas, an impressive orphanage for its size and design.
In its beginnings, this shelter was intended to give asylum to the elderly, crippled, sick, poor walkers and orphans. In 1824, when its founder died, it became a home for boys and girls only. According to historical data, it had a capacity of 600 children.
Hospicio Cabañas not only provided a roof over the heads of the homeless. It was also used as a barracks during the time of the War of Independence. Over the years it was taken over several times for political reasons, but in 1857, when it became the property of the nation, it began its most important stage as the most impressive orphanage in Latin America.
This exceptional complex, incorporating several unusual elements designed specifically to meet the needs of its occupants, was unique for its time. Also notable are the harmonious relationship between open and built spaces, the simplicity of its design and its size; it has 23 courtyards, 160 rooms, 78 corridors and 2 chapels.
There they received a roof over their heads, care and education, as well as learning trades. According to former students, they spent happy times there, under the care and attention of the nuns. The institution was also managed, sometimes with an iron fist, by young ladies and widows of those times.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a splendid series of murals, considered today as some of the masterpieces of Mexican art. They are the work of José Clemente Orozco, one of the great Mexican muralists of the time. He painted them when there were still children running through the corridors.
In 1980 the asylum became the Cabañas Cultural Institute, today the Cabañas Museum.
In 1997 it was declared by UNESCO as Cultural Patrimony of Humanity. This beautiful building is located in the Historic Center of Guadalajara, next to the San Juan de Dios Market. It is a must-see for all those who want to learn more about the history and culture of Guadalajara. After the transformation of Hospicio Cabañas, the hostel changed its name and location.
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8 сен 2024
