Mexico
Exhibits relating to Mexican history, art and tourism dot the plaza around this pavilion. Fountains play in the open-air setting; a platform in the middle of the reflecting pool becomes the stage for music and dance recitals, fashion shows or fireworks. The pavilion itself, of glass and aluminum, stands on columns over part of the plaza, and is reached by stairways. The exhibit hall inside is dominated by a transparent sphere, 12 feet in diameter, containing maps of the Republic of Mexico. The maps, together with photographs and scale models, give details of the nation's social and economic progress. A collection of paintings and sculpture by contemporary Mexican artists is on exhibit, as are photographs of notable modern buildings. Products and handicrafts of Mexico are on the mezzanine. A separate building nearby houses a large restaurant and a café which serve specialties of the country.
Mexico enjoyed one of the best locations at the Fair, facing directly towards the Unisphere and next to the Avenue of the Americas, which led directly to the main Gotham Gate. (CD #TBD Set 364 #9)
The large pole seen in front of the pavilion in the previous picture was used by Los Voladores de Papantla, an aerial act that thrilled audiences below as they swung wildly by their ankles as they dropped towards the ground. The group was so popular that they were later part of HemisFair '68 in San Antonio. (CD #TBD Set 364 #19)
Things were a bit calmer inside, where a wide variety of exhibits awaited guests. They were often entertained by a mariachi band performing on the pavilion's second floor. (CD #52 Set 223 #19)
Restaurants. In a separate building joined by a courtyard are a deluxe restaurant, the Focolare; a cocktail lounge; and the Café Alameda, which offers quick service and light meals. The café occupies the ground floor and an outdoor terrace; the restaurant the second floor. Both have a Mexican atmosphere and serve an international cuisine as well as Mexican specialties. There is entertainment in the Focolare and the cocktail lounge. (CD #TBD Set 364 #11)
In 1964 a full-size replica of an ancient Aztec calendar was part of an outdoor display of artifacts and statues. (CD #27 Set 149 #10A)
In 1965 the Aztec calendar was replaced by a 16-ton basalt stone head of Olmec. The meaning behind the giant head is not clearly established. The head arrived at the Fair on July 10, 1965. For part of the season the head was in the reflecting pool outside the pavilion. (CD #11 Set 58 #28)
Want more information on the Mexico pavilion?
9-19-63 - Cornerstone ceremony booklet
5-24-65 - Mexico Pavilion re-opening
7-10-65 - 16-Ton Stone Head Arrives At Fair
