Mexico's iconic department store transforms into a cultural pillar
In the heart of Mexico City, the iconic Casa de los Azulejos stands as a testament to the city's rich history and cultural evolution. This 18th-century palace, adorned with striking blue and white Talavera tiles from Puebla, was transformed into a Sanborns department store and restaurant by the Sanborns family in the early 20th century.
The Sanborns brothers, Walter and Frank, who arrived in Mexico City from California in 1903, rented the historic Casa de los Azulejos as a mixed-use space for their store. Inside, they installed a soda fountain, making it a popular gathering place. The store's opening on Oct. 11, 1919, was a success and it effectively created a social hub.
One of the key cultural highlights inside is the mural "Omnisciencia" by José Clemente Orozco, which decorates the staircase and symbolizes human knowledge and inspiration. This mural is widely recognized as a storyboard of human knowledge, intelligence, and inspiration.
Sanborns at Casa de los Azulejos has long attracted not only shoppers but also Mexico City's intellectual and creative society since the 1920s. Early in the 1920s, Sanborns attracted Mexico City's intellectual and creative society. The store's product displays were cutting-edge, with clean and organized aisles optimized to capture a browser's attention.
Over time, Sanborns became a staple of Mexican retail and dining culture, combining diverse products (from books to clothing to food) and an elegant setting. This innovative retail model helped shape Mexican shopping culture by integrating art, history, and socializing into commercial spaces.
Despite a few dozen store closures, the Casa de los Azulejos store remains a cultural landmark, likely due to its deep historical and architectural significance. Sanborns reported 73.4 billion pesos in consolidated revenue for fiscal 2024, a testament to its enduring popularity.
In the face of an increasingly virtual world, Sanborns is adapting. They are incorporating digital catalogs and in-store pickup, ensuring their continued relevance in the modern era. The Sanborns restaurant in Casa de los Azulejos remains a must-see for Mexico City visitors, featuring live music and opulent holiday decor.
Today, Sanborns at Casa de los Azulejos stands as a symbol of Mexico City's past, present, and future. It is a place where history, culture, and commerce intertwine, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.
- The Sanborns restaurant in Casa de los Azulejos features live music and opulent holiday decor, making it a must-see for Mexico City visitors.
- Sanborns at Casa de los Azulejos has long attracted not only shoppers but also Mexico City's intellectual and creative society since the 1920s.
- Inside Sanborns, José Clemente Orozco's mural "Omnisciencia" decorates the staircase and symbolizes human knowledge and inspiration.
- Sanborns became a staple of Mexican retail and dining culture, combining diverse products (from books to clothing to food) and an elegant setting.
- The Sanborns store's product displays were cutting-edge, with clean and organized aisles optimized to capture a browser's attention.
- Despite a few dozen store closures, the Casa de los Azulejos store remains a cultural landmark, likely due to its deep historical and architectural significance.
