Celebrated Mexican painter Diego Rivera transcribed the history of Mexico in a mural in his own style of painting on the main staircase of the National Palace of Mexico City. The staircase leads to the second floor of the courtyard which still houses the main offices of government entities of Mexico. Mexico is a country that has experienced various revolutions throughout its history and the mural tells the story of them all, even the indigenous beginnings. The Mexican government craved a change in their style of leadership. Leadership pushed for a mural and art movement throughout the country. The government shifted from the ideologist of the nineteenth century into a modern political and social model. Soon after, the first president during this period encourage education and cultural propaganda by creating the Mexican mural movement.
The final masterpiece was completed after six long years. Diego Rivera started painting the mural in 1929 and was completed in 1935, soon after the Mexican Revolution. The mural showcases Mexico’s history from early native Aztec world to the “future/present” Mexico. The different walls surrounding the staircase portray important historical events like the conquest, the colonial period, the Independence movement, the Revolution, the 1920s and 30s, and the “present” Mexico.
