Casa Luis Barragán

Casa Luis Barragán is another must see while in Mexico City. Book your tickets in advance to make sure you will get in here. The house itself is hard to find. I took an Uber from my hotel, and even the driver didn't know where it was. There is a small sign in the window of number 12, a grey building and you have to ring the doorbell to get in. The door is heavily guarded and locked. I was early and waited a few minutes and talked to another American who was studying abroad there. It turns out she was my English tour guide for the house. The tour was wonderful and very private, only myself and two other people.

Our guide let us inside the house through a small door that reminded me of the one in Willy Wonka. We entered through the door to the pink and white foyer. Then up the stairs we went to the living room and library. When you look outside the windows it looks like a jungle, and that was done on purpose. Then you get to see the dining room, studio, and both the guest bedroom and his own bedroom. Apparently Luis gave a small room to his maid who still lives there but hardly anyone sees her! Next was the rooftop led through a small yellow door. The roof is iconic with classic Luis Barragán colors and clean lines. I asked why all the pink, orange and yellow? Well if you look around town all the employees are wearing vests with those colors, they are the colors of Mexico City. The green tree you see hanging over goes from all way in the garden over the top of the roof. Luis Barragan designed this house with very specific things in mind. The way the light reflected certain surfaces and created shadows was very important. Symmetry and design compliments were also seen throughout the house. If you are an architect fan, a design fan, or neither, this house is a must see!