1700s mexican residence now home to the santiago carbonell foundation museum

Miguel Concha arquitectura completes the Santiago Carbonell Foundation Museum in Querétaro

Located in the historic city center of Querétaro, Mexico, the Santiago Carbonell Foundation Museum is home to a unique sample of works honoring Carbonell’s renowned painting career. The permanent exhibition features the artist’s private collection — with some paintings rescued and many others preserved over time — set against a warm-toned and intimate backdrop. Completed by Miguel Concha Arquitectura, the museum subtly pairs robust historical elements with lighter structures, uplifting the spatial qualities of the existing construction, originally a house dating back to 1760. 

all images © Ariadna Polo

recovering the original structure with subtle touches

With over a decade of planning, architect Miguel Concha Loyola (see more) successfully recovered the house’s original structure with minor modifications to optimize the museum’s operations. Former domestic rooms are now transformed into exhibition halls featuring Carbonell’s signature artworks. Meanwhile, the main gallery is organized around steel elements supporting a new and lighter roof that preserves the integrity of the original building. A patio, distinctive of the Queretaro houses of the time, connect and illuminate all the spaces. The architect also included a service area, a shop, and a terrace from where visitors can contemplate the landscape. 

Art, architecture, and history thus interact seamlessly, combining everything in a timeless atmosphere that celebrates the cultural dynamic of the Mexican city. Program-wise, the museum grants free access to its exhibitions and programs offered by the foundation, opening up the possibility of occupying the space in new ways.