Who designed the Paseo de la Reforma in 1864?
Austrian mining engineer Ferdinand von Rosenzweig designed the Paseo de la Reforma. The project aimed to imitate European boulevards like the Ringstraße in Vienna and the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Questions about Paseo de la Reforma
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did the Paseo de la Reforma officially open to the public?
The avenue officially opened to the public on the 17th of February 1867. It remained exclusive to the imperial court until that date after work began between 1864 and 1865.
Why was the name changed from Paseo de la Emperatriz to Paseo de la Reforma?
The Restored Republic renamed the avenue Calzada Degollado to honor General Santos Degollado before it became Paseo de la Reforma in 1872. This change honored the liberal Reform movement following the fall of the Second Mexican Empire in 1867.
Which statues are absent from the Paseo de la Reforma despite their historical importance?
No statue exists for Porfirio Díaz himself, despite his long rule from 1876 to 1911. Absent are also statues of prominent conservatives like Antonio López de Santa Anna and Lucas Alamán.
What major infrastructure changes occurred during the 2003 renewal program for Paseo de la Reforma?
Mexico City's government started a renewal program for Paseo de la Reforma in 2003 that included new pink quarry sidewalks and benches. New lighting systems were added throughout and access bays formed at the Zoo, lake, and Modern Art Museum.