Mexico City, June 6, 2026 – The Milpa Alta borough has officially opened “La Casona, Living Museum of Milpa Alta Cuisine” with the goal of preserving and disseminating the rich culinary heritage of the southern Mexico Valley. Mayor Octavio Rivero emphasized that the venue aims to present gastronomy not merely as food, but as a vibrant cultural system rooted in native corn, nopal, beans, and chili.
A Century-Old Landmark Transformed into a Culinary Hub
The museum is housed in an emblematic, century-old building located at Avenida Sonora 5. This property, which served as a hacienda during the revolutionary era, has been meticulously restored under the supervision of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). It now features six curatorial rooms that guide visitors through the entire culinary process, from cultivation in the ‘milpa’ and the production of ‘green gold’ (nopal), to the grinding of the iconic local mole and a tribute to traditional cooks.
“In Milpa Alta, cuisine is alive because it is not limited to following recipes; it is a complete cultural system that encompasses cultivation, ancestral techniques, rituals, and community organization. This museum is, above all, a tribute to our traditional cooks,” stated Mayor Rivero during the inauguration.
Ensuring Cultural Transcendence Beyond Political Changes
To ensure its long-term cultural significance, the museum will operate under the guidance of a board of trustees and community councils, aiming to transcend political cycles and maintain its focus on cultural preservation.
Beyond its exhibition spaces, “La Casona” includes a ‘palapa’ for experiential workshops and tastings. It will also serve as an economic development platform for local artisans through the “Milpa Alta without Borders” program, fostering community engagement and economic growth.
Infrastructure Improvements and Tourism Initiatives for the 2026 World Cup
In preparation for the influx of visitors expected for the 2026 World Cup, significant infrastructure improvements have been implemented. Road upgrades, coordinated with the Mexico City Ministry of Mobility and the Xochimilco borough, have reduced travel times on the Mexico-Oaxtepec highway from 20 to just 5 minutes. Additionally, consultations are underway for a Cablebús project that will connect Metro Tláhuac with the center of Milpa Alta, further enhancing accessibility.
Mayor Rivero also announced plans to boost 21 specialized tourist routes focusing on mole, honey, and nopal. These initiatives will be complemented by the recent opening of the Tourist Terrace and the upcoming inauguration of the Recreational Ecological Center in San Juan Tepenahuac.
The museum will be open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, offering free admission to all, and is set to become a must-visit destination for both national and international tourists.
