Old Customs Buildings, Mexico City

The Old Customs Building is a colonial structure featuring a stone facade with classical architectural details located across from Plaza Santo Domingo in Mexico City. The building now houses the Ministry of Public Education and demonstrates how historic colonial structures serve contemporary government functions.

The building was constructed between 1729 and 1735 to serve as a customs house for taxing merchandise imports during the Spanish colonial period. This role reflected the economic control Spain exercised over the colony's trade.

The main staircase displays a large mural by David Alfaro Siqueiros depicting Mexican political and social issues, giving visitors a sense of how art was used to engage with the nation's history.

The building is located at República de Brasil Street 31 in the historic center and is easily accessible by public transport. Since it houses an active ministry, visitor access may be limited depending on official functions.

A legend connects the building to Juan Gutiérrez Rubín de Celis, who promised to complete construction in just six months to marry Sara García. This personal story adds a human dimension to the colonial structure.