In the heart of Chapultepec Forest, the Los Pinos Cultural Complex incorporates the Hondonada Garden as a new green lung Designed for leisurely strolls, contemplation, and encountering art, this landscape intervention takes advantage of a natural depression in the terrain to create an intimate space, sheltered from the noise of the city and open to the public free of charge.
Far from being just a pretty garden, this corner has been designed as a place where nature and monumental sculptures coexist and an ecological rainwater harvesting system. The proposal reinforces the transformation of Los Pinos into an accessible and diverse cultural space, where anyone can go for a walk, have a picnic, or simply relax outdoors.
A former space of power transformed into a public garden
The opening of the Hondonada Garden is part of the process by which The former official residence has been transformed into a cultural space open to the public.As the Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, recalled, in just seven years the venue has gone from symbolizing a distant power to being presented as "the people's house", with cultural activities, community projects and initiatives linked to nature.
The new garden is located next to the Casa Miguel Alemán, one of the most emblematic buildings in the complex, taking advantage of an area known precisely as the hollowThere, the landscape has been transformed to create a place for meeting, resting and playing, where visitors can walk among terraces, reflecting pools and sculptures that interact with the surrounding vegetation.
The central objective of the project is to foster a closer and more respectful relationship with ecosystems of the Chapultepec Forest. That is why the design focuses not only on aesthetics, but also on the ecological function of the space, the choice of materials and the integration of the symbolic fauna of the area through large-format artistic pieces.
For those seeking a moment of escape without leaving the city, the garden is presented as a refuge where you can read and stroll peacefullyFree access and extended opening hours make it a popular choice for residents and visitors looking to escape the urban pace for a while.
Furthermore, the accessibility approach is not limited to free admission: The route is designed as a playful and contemplative circuit so that it can be enjoyed without prior knowledge or guided tours.
Giant sculptures inspired by the fauna of Chapultepec
One of the most striking features of the Hondonada Garden is the presence of three monumental sculptures based on animals that inhabit the Chapultepec ForestThese pieces not only serve as visual appeal, but also act as symbols of different qualities linked to the landscape and daily life in the city.
The first is a sculpture of a cacomistle (Bassariscus astutus), a nocturnal mammal associated with wit and mysteryHis figure has been conceived as that of an attentive guardian, representing the ability to adapt to changing environments; something very present in the reality of a large city.
Another of the main characters is the squirrel (Sciurus aureogaster), depicted with reddish tones and dynamic formsThis piece seeks to convey vitality, movement and joy, evoking the coming and going of these animals among the trees of the forest and bringing a point of energy to the garden as a whole.
The third monumental sculpture corresponds to a opossum (Didelphis virginiana), a figure linked to ancestral wisdom, resilience, and careHe is depicted carrying his young on his back, reinforcing the idea of ​​family protection, continuity of life, and balance in the face of adversity.
The three works share a key element: They have been made with recycled materialsThis underscores the project's commitment to sustainability. In this way, art is not separated from the ecological message, but rather becomes a means of reflecting on the responsible use of resources.
During the tour, the sculptures They invite symbolic interaction with those who stroll through it. Its dimensions, its presence in different parts of the garden and the constant dialogue with the vegetation encourage one to stop, observe and reinterpret the natural environment from another perspective.
A bioretention garden that conserves water and soil
Beyond its aesthetic appearance, the Hondonada Garden incorporates a bioretention system Designed to manage rainwater naturally. The main visible element is a reflecting pool that mirrors the sculptures and foliage, creating a tranquil surface that also serves as a visual focal point along the route.
This body of water is not a simple ornamental pond: It functions as an ecological device that helps to capture and retain water during the rainy season.Beneath the visible sheet, layers of tezontle and gravel have been placed, allowing water to gradually infiltrate the subsoil.
Thanks to this solution, flooding is reduced and soil recharge is encouragedThis provides moisture to the roots of vegetation and contributes to the ecological balance of the environment. It also relieves pressure on the urban drainage system and makes better use of a resource as essential as water.
The very configuration of the garden, located in a natural depression, It encourages water to concentrate and be channeled towards these infiltration zones.This integration between landscape design and ecological function transforms the space into a small open-air laboratory on how to manage rain in cities.
Together, the reflecting pools, terraces, and surrounding vegetation help to sustain local biodiversityThe visitor can enjoy the reflection of the clouds and the sculptures while, without realizing it, observing an environmental management system in operation.
Relaxing terraces, green areas and a space for socializing
The design of the Hondonada Garden focuses on create comfortable corners to sit, chat or simply restAlong the route, rest terraces have been created that are integrated into the topography of the place, allowing the whole to be observed from different levels.
The expansive green areas invite you organize a picnic, read in the shade, or let the children play in a controlled environment. Being a relatively secluded space, it is especially attractive to families looking for an alternative to more crowded parks.
The coexistence of nature and art is evident in every section of the garden: The sculptures emerge from among trees, bushes, and pathscreating a constantly changing visual experience as you move through the space. There is no single "correct" way to explore it, so each visit can be different.
Furthermore, the project aims to make the public feel part of the place, fostering a respectful appropriation of the environmentBased on care and shared responsibility, the garden aims to become a regular meeting place for those who use Chapultepec Forest as a recreational area.
The tranquil atmosphere of the space, combined with the playful nature of the sculptures, makes it an attractive option for both cultural activities and a pleasant day outdoorsThe combination of artistic and ecological elements is especially interesting for school visits and educational activities.
Location, access and opening hours of the Hondonada Garden
The Hollow Garden It is located within the Los Pinos Cultural ComplexNext to the Casa Miguel Alemán, an easily identifiable landmark for those already familiar with the area. To access it by public transport, the easiest option is to get to the Constituyentes station on Line 7 of the Mexico City Metro, from where you can walk to the 1 gate, recommended entry point to the complex.
Those who travel by bicycle have access to a rack to park them at Gate 3This facilitates sustainable access to the grounds. Once inside Los Pinos, the internal signage helps locate the garden without too much difficulty, using the aforementioned Casa Miguel Alemán as a reference point.
Regarding opening hours, the space is open to the public. from Tuesday to Sunday, generally within a time frame that spans from mid-morning to the afternoon, with enough leeway to organize visits before or after other activities in the forest or in the cultural complex itself.
One of the most valued points is that the entrance to the Hondonada Garden is totally freeNo prior reservation is required to visit, making it easy to make spontaneous visits, whether for a quick walk, a photo shoot, or a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
The venue is also pet friendly in its green areas, provided pets are kept on a leash and the rules of coexistence are respected. This makes it an attractive destination for those who wish to walk their dog in a well-maintained environment with artistic offerings integrated into nature.
With this project, Los Pinos reinforces its new phase as an open space for culture, social justice, artistic creation and the enjoyment of the natural environmentJardÃn Hondonada thus joins the set of initiatives that have been redefining the place as a meeting point between citizens, art and landscape, where daily life and ecological reflection share the same stage.
