Heading to Mexico City and interested in visiting Casa Gilardi? I’ve rounded up my guide to visiting this architectural gem, sharing what to see, how to get there, and entry costs.
A few years ago, I returned from the most amazing trip to Mexico. My first time in this wonderful country, I was taken aback by the friendly people, beautiful scenery, and incredible food. I kicked off my trip with a visit to Mexico City, a city that truly blew my expectations out of the water. I absolutely fell in love with it, its incredible architecture, affordable yet delicious cuisine, and wonderful people. Having arrived on a redeye from Vancouver, my friend Liz and I hit the ground running, determined to squeeze in what we could during our few days in the city. One of the top things on the list was visiting an incredible hidden gem of modern architecture, Casa Gilardi. In this article, I share my guide to visiting Casa Gilardi, including how to get there and how much it costs to enter.
Quick tips for visiting Mexico City
Get this: a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum (the Blue House). If you love Mexican art and architecture, add this to your list after heading to Casa Gilardi. We queued for ages to get tickets, so I’d advise skipping the queue by booking these tickets beforehand.
Don’t miss: a Xochimilco boat tour. We had SO much fun doing this – you get your own colourful boat, enjoy unlimited drinks, a Mexican lunch, and even a cocktail class onboard.
Bucket list experience: a hot air balloon flight and breakfast over nearby Teotihuacan. This is one of the most mind blowing places I visited in Mexico, so this would be an incredible experience, and the price is reasonable compared to other balloon rides I’ve taken.
Flights: find the cheapest flights to Mexico City with Skyscanner.
Stay: Find the most affordable hotels in Mexico City on Booking.com.
What is Casa Gilardi?
Casa Gilardi stands is a pinnacle of modern architecture, a striking residential masterpiece nestled within Mexico City’s Tacubaya neighbourhood. Designed by celebrated architect Luis Barragán in the late 1970s, it’s a representation of Barragán’s iconic style characterised by bold colours, geometric forms, and a clever harmony between space, light, and nature. Casa Gilardi offers an immersive experience, where visitors can enter a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city—a fusion of minimalist design, serene courtyards, and a considered interplay of light and shadow. As Barragán’s final residential project, Casa Gilardi is a testament to his enduring legacy and influence on modern architecture. A keen fan of unique architecture, I’d seen pictures of the striking pink walls, intriguing spaces, and light, and knew I wanted to visit when visiting Mexico City – and I’m so glad I did!
Where is Casa Gilardi?
Casa Gilardi is located in Mexico City, Mexico, specifically in the Tacubaya neighbourhood.
How to get to Casa Gilardi
You have a few options when it comes to getting to Casa Gilardi in Mexico City’s Tacubaya neighbourhood:
- By taxi or ride sharing – we used Uber everywhere we went in Mexico City. It’s also incredibly affordable, and we managed to explore the entire city for only around $20 during our stay. I’d say this is the easiest way to reach Casa Gilardi.
- By public transport – Mexico City has an extensive public transit system. You can take the Metro to Tacubaya station, which connects various lines. From there, you can either walk or take a short taxi or Uber ride to Casa Gilardi.
- By car – if you’ve hired a car during your visit to Mexico City, you can drive to Casa Gilardi. Ensure you have a GPS to navigate through Mexico City’s streets, considering traffic conditions and parking availability in the area.
How to get into Casa Gilardi
As a private residence, you can usually only access Casa Gilardi via a guided tour arranged by appointment. It was quite archaic when I had to book – a Facebook message in rusty Spanish to coordinate a visit. Nowadays, it’s a little better. Here’s how to access Casa Gilardi:
- Book a guided tour – reservations for tours must be booked via casagilardi@gmail.com, at least 48 hours in advance or via their website. There are usually specific visiting hours, and limited access to ensure an intimate experience for visitors.
- Arrive on time – ensure you arrive a little before your scheduled tour time. Be punctual to check in and join the guided tour group.
- Follow the guidelines – once you’re at Casa Gilardi, follow the instructions provided by the staff or guides. Respect any rules or guidelines regarding photography, movement within the residence, and other etiquettes to maintain the integrity and privacy of the space.
- Engage with your guide – the guided tour offers insights into the architectural significance and design philosophy behind Casa Gilardi. Engage with your guide, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the rich history and concepts that shaped this architectural masterpiece.
Visiting Casa Gilardi
Tucked away in the vibrant city of Mexico City lies the hidden gem of modern architecture, Casa Gilardi. Designed by the legendary architect Luis Barragán, Casa Gilardi stands as a testament to his genius, embodying the essence of minimalist design and spatial innovation. Barragán is renowned for his bold, minimalist style. Casa Gilardi was first intended to be a bachelor pad, and is now a family home. I’d spotted images of the brightly coloured house online and knew we had to go and visit.
Thank goodness we did, I loved it. As Barragán’s last property, he actually came out of retirement to design the house for Pancho Gilardi and Martin Luque, who owned an advertising agency in Mexico City at the time. It was completed in 1976, and was due to offer studio and party space for the two bachelors who were often travelling at the time. After Gilardi’s death, Martin named the casa in his honour. Soon, it became a family home for his wife and children. What’s really cool is that upon arrival, Martin’s son was our tour guide. He also told us all about the background and history of the design, and how the family currently use the home.
Inside Casa Gilardi
Virtually every element of the property was so thoroughly considered by Barragán. It was constructed entirely around an old jacaranda tree in the house’s courtyard which he loved. I can’t forget to add that colour is everything. All of the bright colours are based on the paintings of Mexican artist, Chucho Reyes Ferreira. They’re regularly painted to keep them exactly the intended hue. In the corridor below, only the windows are yellow, despite it looking as though the entire room is painted yellow. This is representative of the importance of light throughout the property, which truly transforms the interior. All of the property is based on light and visual awareness.
Through the corridor, there’s a large open space with a shallow swimming pool. This space is primarily for entertaining. It’s designed to enable natural light to flow through, with the colours changing throughout the day. Casa Gilardi is so futuristic for its time. It’s also hard to believe it was designed and constructed back in the 1970s as it’s such a timeless design and property.
All of the rooms inside the house are uniquely furnished by Barragán himself. Furniture varies from antique pieces to furniture especially commissioned to fit the space. It’s incredible to think there’s actually a family that live inside a minimalist work of art. I did wonder where they store all their day to day clutter!?
Outside Casa Gilardi
Outdoors, the courtyard is white and purple to complement the blossoms of the jacaranda tree when it’s in full bloom. There’s also a roof terrace from the bedrooms, accessible via an adorable pink door. These colourful walls really put the murals of Vancouver and Melrose Avenue to shame!
After leaving the wonderful property and saying our farewell to the family’s son who showed us around, we ventured into the neighbourhood. It’s on a very arty street and there’s a building along the way that reminds me so much of Gaudi’s Casa Batlló on Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia. What do you think? There are lots of really cool arty elements of Mexico City that remind me a lot of Barcelona.
It’s certainly worth wandering around the neighbourhood. You’ll find adorable bars and restaurants in nooks and crannies, and colourful buildings. Let’s not forget all of the amazing tiled walls.
Visiting Casa Gilardi is an immersive experience that celebrates the intersection of art, architecture, and culture. From Barragán’s visionary design to the serene ambiance, the property offers a glimpse into the mind of an architectural maestro.
Casa Gilardi: FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Casa Gilardi?
The specific cost for a guided tour might vary depending on factors such as the type of tour, group size, and any additional services or amenities offered during the visit. Casa Gilardi offers guided tours by appointment to ensure an intimate and informative experience for visitors. When I visited, we all tipped generously at the end instead of an entrance fee. For the most accurate and current information regarding tour availability, schedules, and fees, it’s best to directly contact Casa Gilardi or check their official website. They can provide detailed information about tour packages, costs, and any special arrangements they might offer.
Who lives in Casa Gilardi?
Casa Gilardi is a private residence. It was previously owned by the Gilardi family, for whom the house was designed by the renowned architect Luis Barragán. The property was passed to Martin Luque, who owed an advertising agency with Pancho Gilardi in Mexico City. Nowadays, it’s the residence of Luque’s family. The residence is primarily known for its architectural significance and its association with Barragán’s legacy, rather than for public information regarding its current residents. If you book a tour at the property, you’ll likely find Luque’s son is your tour guide.
When was Casa Gilardi built?
Casa Gilardi, a stunning architectural creation by Luis Barragán, was completed in 1976. This iconic residence stands as a testament to Barragán’s visionary style and remains an enduring symbol of modern Mexican architecture.
Have you visited Casa Gilardi? What did you think? Let me know if you’ve visited any other architectural gems in Mexico City. If you have any questions about visiting Casa Gilardi, let me know in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them.
