El Carmen complex facts for kids
El Carmen is a fascinating former convent that is now a museum. It is located in San Ángel, a lovely southern part of Mexico City. This special place offers a peek into Mexico's past, showing how people lived and what art they created centuries ago.
Contents
History of El Carmen
How It Started
The El Carmen convent was founded on June 29, 1615. It was started by a group of monks called the Discalced Carmelites. These monks were known for their simple lifestyle. They built the convent in an area that was once an Aztec village named Tenanitla. This village later became known as San Ángel.
Building the Convent
The construction of the convent took place between 1615 and 1626. It was a big project for its time! The founder of this important place was Father Andrés de San Miguel.
A Place of Learning
For many years, El Carmen was more than just a convent. It also had a college where students studied theology. Theology is the study of religious beliefs. The convent also had a huge library, which held over 12,000 books. Imagine how many stories and facts were in there!
Becoming a Museum
In 1858, the college at El Carmen closed down. The entire complex was then given to the local government. Later, in 1929, a museum was created within the old convent walls. Then, in 1939, the museum became part of a new organization called the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia. This group helps protect Mexico's history and culture.
What You Can See at the Museum
Art and History Collections
Today, the El Carmen Museum is home to a large collection of art from Mexico's colonial period. This means art created when Mexico was under Spanish rule. You can see many religious paintings, including some by a famous artist named Miguel Cabrera.
Life of the Carmelites
The museum also displays original furniture from the monastery. This helps visitors imagine what life was like for the Carmelite monks who lived there long ago. There are also exhibits that tell the story of the monastery and show how the Carmelites lived their daily lives. It's like stepping back in time to see their world!
See also
In Spanish: Museo de El Carmen para niños
