Quinta Gameros
Tile detail from Quinta Gameros. || All photos taken by Abril Warner, 2024.
Situated in northern Mexico in Chihuahua’s capital city, Quinta Gameros is a mansion commissioned by Manuel Gameros Ronquillo, a wealthy mining engineer. In 1907, Julio Corredor Latorre, a Columbian architect, broke ground on this gorgeous example of Art Nouveau. As of 1999, Quinta Gameros is considered a National Artistic Monument of Mexico which houses examples of period furniture and architectural design. As part of the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, this mansion is a cultural center hosting art exhibitions, lectures, tours and more.
Front exterior door. || 2024
A view of the front overdoor exterior. || 2024
After an extended stay in France and Germany in 1904, Manuel Gameros Ronquillo was exposed to and impressed by Art Nouveau*. Julio Corredor Latorre was an official at the Columbian Embassy in Mexico City at the time of this commission. In order for Latorre to understand what Gameros envisioned, he was sent to the south of France. Quinta Gameros was completed in November 1910. [1]
The lower level has a large, open central hall with a view of the second floor. This central space is used for special gatherings such as book signings and lectures. Quinta Gameros is a popular spot for photographers. On the day we visited, there was a young lady having her quinceañera photoshoot.
In my view, the most impressive room on this floor is the dining room. It’s pastel-colored, flower-patterned walls curve upward into the ceiling and are organically lined throughout with dark-stained wood framing. The meticulous curvilinear craftsmanship of Art Nouveau is prominently on display in this elegant dining room.
The dining room at Quinta Gamesa.
Directly across the central hall from the main entrance, the hardwood grand staircase has left and right arms leading up to an impressive landing. The landing is lit by multi-paneled, stained-glass windows. And the second floor has high ceilings as grand as the lower level.
The central section of windows found along the landing.
An intersection of an arch, wall, and ceiling on the second floor.
The “peacock bedroom”, on the second level, is another quintessential example of Art Nouveau. High white walls are accentuated with delicate green lines painted downward toward the sparsely furnished room creating an airy lightness to an upstairs room. (We are visiting at the start of summer in a desert climate, we need a sense of airiness where AC is lacking.) Although the room is not packed with furniture, the furniture is not lacking in the least. In keeping with the Art Nouveau style and peacock theme, the requisite organic tendrils, floral pattern, and splendid plumage are evident throughout the bed, chairs, and vanity.
Across the narrow hall from the peacock bedroom, is a no expense spared bathroom. A marble shower, porcelain tank and tub, ceramic tile work and floral motif elevates this washroom.
Between the arms of the interior staircase (beneath the landing) is an exit to the backyard. There is another grand staircase leading to an enclosure with paved pathways framing grass, laurels, succulents and trees.
The exterior of Quinta Gameros has more Art Nouveau charms to share. These details include: exquisite railings and awnings, dentil cornices, curving window frames and window pediments and more.
Side profile view of Quinta Gameros.
Quinta Gameros hosts several temporary art openings and exhibitions. Visitors can take guided and unguided tours. Entry is free on Sundays.
*Art Nouveau is an European art style that developed around the 1890s. It gained its greatest momentum in France (and other Central European countries) and reached its potential by the start of World War 1. It is known differently within each nation (i.e. Germany = Jugendstil). This style is characterized by asymmetrical compositions, curvilinear lines and natural themes.
Personal note of gratitude: This cultural treasure of Mexico’s twentieth century heritage was a delightful surprise to me. I am grateful to my aunts Angela and Carmela for scheduling this visit and patiently waiting while I took my time exploring and reading all of the visitors’ signage.
Artitst Rewilding announcement: In an upcoming post, I will share some of the artwork that was on display in the second level gallery spaces at Quinta Gameros.
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