Historic Theaters in the Historic District

Centro histórico, CDMX 1 día

About this tour

In the final decades of the 19th century and the early 20th century, the streets of the Historic Center of Mexico City were decked out to welcome a golden age in which theater and architecture merged in an eternal embrace. Walking through the area and gazing at the facades of the Teatro Lírico or the Esperanza Iris evokes a scene of illuminated marquees and gleaming marble that have defied the passage of time with their French-inspired elegance. Those facades were built to serve as temples to the great divas, the nights of zarzuela, and the passionate applause of a society in the midst of transformation. Today, those monumental thresholds continue to guard the secrets of Porfirian and post-revolutionary bohemian life, inviting us to rediscover the theatrical soul and heritage of a city that never stops singing.

About the guide

Hist. Oscar Arturo Silva Juárez

Cultural educator and historian

Within the field of historical research, I am particularly interested in the New Spain period, specifically the processes of religiosity and the role played by the mendicant orders in the construction of New Spain. I enjoy exploring topics such as monastic life, writings produced within the cloisters, and Christian iconography, understanding them not only as expressions of the spirituality of their time but also as elements that helped define the identity and cultural landscape of viceregal society.

On the other hand, I have a deep interest in the study of 20th-century popular culture, particularly the history of entertainment venues and forms of social interaction in contemporary Mexico. I am interested in tracing social changes through both urban and rural expressions, observing iconic places such as theaters, bars, dance halls, stadiums, and arenas—venues that preserve much of the collective memory and everyday experiences of different generations.

2014–2016

She was part of the team at the Museo de El Carmen (INAH) as a Research Assistant, helping to catalog works from New Spain, curate exhibitions, and develop historical content for various museum projects. During this period, she also worked with the Casa del Risco Museum to organize the cultural event “Ofrendas de San Ángel.”

2016–2023

He served as Head of Programming and Logistics for INAH’s Cultural Tours, where he was responsible for planning the annual schedule of tours, training specialists, and developing new historical outreach routes. He has established a career as a cultural educator and expert guide, leading tours focused on the history of New Spain, art, and popular culture. He has contributed to Canal 11, Canal 22, ADN 40, Radio UNAM, and MVS Radio.

2024 – Present

He currently serves as head of the Technical Department at the Ex Convento de Culhuacán Community Center (INAH), where he coordinates the facility’s operational and technical activities, as well as various projects focused on the conservation, research, and promotion of historical and cultural heritage.