Visit the Cosmovitral Botanical Garden in Toluca, Mexico

The Cosmovitral Botanical Garden in Toluca, Mexico is a beautiful building consisting of 71 sections of colorful stain glass windows and houses about 500 different plant species from Mexico and around the world. Upon entering the Cosmovitral you are surrounded by warm, bright colors and cooling shades of blues. As the sun shines through the stain glass artwork of artist Leopoldo Flores, you can observe the story he depicts of "Man and his relationship with the Universe". Below the windows of artwork are wonderful fountains, pools and the many plants of the botanical garden.

Location and Building History

Cosmovitral Botanical Garden is located on the corner of Juárez and Lerdo de Tejada streets in the historic downtown of Toluca, Mexico. The building was constructed in 1910 and was a very important market for Toluca. The market was closed in 1975 and Leopoldo Flores convinced the city of Toluca to turn it into a center for art. It took many years for the complete transformation of what the building is today.

Hours and Fees

The Cosmovitral Botanical Garden is closed on Mondays. The hours of operation are Tuesdays through Sundays from 9:00 am until 6:00pm. Tickets for entrance are 10 pesos for adults and 5 pesos for children. There is an information desk located at the entrance to the Cosmovitral. Guided tours are offered that help explain the story of the Man and his relationship to the Universe and the interesting history about the building itself.

Exhibits

Different Art Exhibits are hosted regularly at the Cosmovitral Botanical Garden. During my visit the special exhibit was a Bonsai display. The many different Bonsais added to the already lush botanical garden in a way that enhanced the experience to the fullest.

Best Time to Visit

My trip to the Cosmovitral was in July. I felt that I visited the exhibit at a good time of the year. The weather was perfect and the sun shone brilliantly through the glass. But according to information provided by the Cosmovitral the most impressive time to visit is the Spring Equinox. During this annual event the sun aligns with the work called the "Hombre Sol". The image of the sun at this time shines brighter than any other time of the year and the "Hombre Sol" appears to be on fire. During this special time there are concerts planned and also visits by the artist himself, Leopoldo Flores.

Interesting Facts

The Cosmovitral receives about 500 visits a day and only 5% of these visitors are foreigners.

About 60% of the visitors are from the Mexico City area.

It takes two full time workers to keep the windows clean.

The " Hombre Sol" has become the symbol of Toluca and the State of Mexico.

Not many people plan a trip to Toluca, Mexico. Most travelers plan a vacation to nearby Mexico City. But Toluca is a large city with many things to do and see and the Cosmovitral is just one of these must see attractions.

Sources:
My own guided tour of the Cosmovitral Botanical Garden
Information Pamphlet