Monument to Christopher Columbus

This work on Paseo de la Reforma features a bronze figure mounted on a limestone base with four religious statues positioned below. The artistic composition combines sculptural elements that reflect the craftsmanship of its era.

French sculptor Charles Cordier created this work in 1877 for businessman Antonio Escandon during Mexico's Porfiriato era. Its placement reflected broader European influence on the city's development during that period.

The monument marks the encounter between two worlds that shaped Mexico's path. The four Franciscan friars at the base represent the spiritual dimension of this historical connection.

The work sits at a central point on Paseo de la Reforma and is reachable by public transportation, with nearby Metrobus stations serving the area. The location is in an active part of the city, making daytime visits more comfortable.

The monument was removed in 2021 as Mexico reassessed how it represents historical figures in public spaces. This action sparked countrywide conversations about colonial history and how it should be remembered.

Location: Mexico City

Location: Cuauhtémoc

Inception: 1877

Creator: Charles Henri Joseph Cordier

Address: Av. Paseo de la Reforma 96, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, 06600

GPS coordinates: 19.43308,-99.15475

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56