The National Autonomous University of Mexico or Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is not only a superior academic facility, but also one of Mexico City’s architectural treasures. Visit the University City (CU) campus to understand why it is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.
Many of the buildings at the center of the campus were constructed in the 1940s by outstanding Mexican architects. The large campus appears almost as a separate pre-Hispanic city with green park-like patches and spacious plazas, such as Las Islas. Attend exhibitions and events in nearly 20 cultural centers and museums scattered across the university grounds. Performances regularly include professional theater, dance, films, music and visual arts.
Look up to see several striking murals by Mexican artist David Siqueiros. His huge modern presentation of El pueblo a la Universidad, la Universidad al pueblo represents students climbing heights through their university learning. Nearby, a mural by Juan O’Gorman adorns the Central Library.
Visit the University Museum of Arts and Scientists (MuAC) for lectures and exhibits. Faculties have significant freedom in pursuing open lines of thinking without government intervention in this autonomous university. Academic studies are considered among the best in Latin America. Several Nobel Prize laureates have come from UNAM, including Mario Molena, who illuminated issues related to CFC threats to the ozone layer.
Mexico’s 1968 Olympic Games were hosted in the giant University Stadium. Attend a university futbol game here. This, of course, is soccer. Perhaps surprisingly, you can also watch the local students playing American football, a UNAM tradition for more than 85 years. Visit the sports library or watch competitions in more than 50 individual or team sports.
Moving south, find the botanical gardens and ecological reserve. Near here Nezahualcóyotl Theater offers outstanding orchestra and dance performances, including the Royal Ballet.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico campus is about 11 miles (18 kilometers) southwest of the historical center in the Coyoacán borough. Ride the metro to the Universidad or Copilco station. Check the extensive events calendar to select a UNAM activity to attend during your Mexico City visit.
