Inaugurated in 1953, the modernistic campus of Mexico's National University extends east and west of the highway over an immense flow of lava erupted by the volcano Ixtle in about 200 B.C. The campus is an outdoor gallery of mural art expressed in every medium by leading Mexican muralists.
Clearly visible even before you enter the campus is the 10 story, wrap around, polychrome stone mosaic mural on the Central Library, for which Juan O'Gorman was both architect and artist. On the west side of the highway, the daring stone mosaic decoration carved and painted on the stadium was designed by Diego Rivera. Facing the stadium is the rectory, adorned on three sides by Siqueiros; the central mural is unique for its 3dimensional massiveness. Other muralists whose works enhance campus buildings include Messeguer, Eppens Hclguera, and Chavez Morado.
Of special attraction to those interested in Mexican flora are the university's Botanical Gardens where exotic plants from all regions of the country are on view in two greenhouses and three acres of exterior plantings. The orchid and cacti collection is south of the stadium, over a clearly marked roadway. Cacti are arranged in a natural lava rock setting; the orchids in a ground hugging conservatory. Tropical rain forest plants grow under simulated natural conditions in a conservatory east and south of the Olympic swimming pool. In all, more than 2,000 species are displayed, each tagged with its botanical name and the area from which it comes. The gardens are open every day of the year.
The National University was founded in 1551 by royal decree in a building on the Zocalo just north of the National Palace. As the number of students increased, each professional school moved to quarters of its own. When the present campus was inaugurated it drew together students from schools by then scattered all over the city. In 1975 only 22 years later enrollment stood at 245,000. Now dispersal is again in process, with the establishment of branch universities in the most remote areas of the capital and in nearby towns.
Inaugurated in 1953, the modernistic campus of Mexico's National University extends east and west of the highway over an immense flow of lava erupted by the volcano Ixtle in about 200 B.C. The campus is an outdoor gallery of mural art expressed in every medium by leading Mexican muralists.
Of special attraction to those interested in Mexican flora are the university's Botanical Gardens where exotic plants from all regions of the country are on view in two greenhouses and three acres of exterior plantings. The orchid and cacti collection is south of the stadium, over a clearly marked roadway. Cacti are arranged in a natural lava rock setting; the orchids in a ground hugging conservatory. Tropical rain forest plants grow under simulated natural conditions in a conservatory east and south of the Olympic swimming pool. In all, more than 2,000 species are displayed, each tagged with its botanical name and the area from which it comes. The gardens are open every day of the year.
