Capuchinas Chapel (Luis Barragán) Mexico City
A serene convent chapel in Mexico City, showcasing Luis Barragán's genius in color, light, and space.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Capuchinas Chapel (Luis Barragán) Mexico City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene convent chapel in Mexico City, showcasing Luis Barragán's genius in color, light, and space.
"Even for this old atheist, a sublime experience. It will bring tears to your eyes."
🎯 Book Ahead is Crucial
Advance reservations are essential. Contact the institute or check for cultural events to secure your visit.
🗺️ Verify Your Address
Google Maps can be inaccurate. Confirm the correct address when booking to avoid getting lost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Barragán's Architectural Genius
Main Chapel and Cloister
Experience Barragán's masterful use of color, light, and volume in this serene, spiritual space.

Serene Cloister Walkways
Cloister Area
Wander through tranquil corridors, where natural light filters in, creating a contemplative atmosphere.

Artistic Window Views
Various Rooms
Windows frame the outside world like living paintings, showcasing Barragán's unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Booking Your Visit
Navigating Tlalpan
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead is Crucial
Advance reservations are essential. Contact the institute or check for cultural events to secure your visit.
🗺️ Verify Your Address
Google Maps can be inaccurate. Confirm the correct address when booking to avoid getting lost.
Anyone know how to get a tour reserved for Luis Barragan's Chapel and Convent of the Capuchinas Sacramentarias in Tlalpan?
🤫 Respect the Silence
This is a working convent. Maintain a quiet demeanor and be mindful of the nuns' presence.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be discreet with photos. Some areas may have restrictions, and respect for the sacred space is key.
Barragan House re-sale?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead is Crucial
Advance reservations are essential. Contact the institute or check for cultural events to secure your visit.
🗺️ Verify Your Address
Google Maps can be inaccurate. Confirm the correct address when booking to avoid getting lost.
🤫 Respect the Silence
This is a working convent. Maintain a quiet demeanor and be mindful of the nuns' presence.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be discreet with photos. Some areas may have restrictions, and respect for the sacred space is key.
🍪 Support the Nuns
Consider purchasing postcards or cookies baked by the nuns as a way to support their community.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are deeply moved by the Capuchinas Chapel's sublime architecture, praising Luis Barragán's masterful use of color and light. The serene atmosphere and the unique experience of being guided by a nun are frequently highlighted as profound. However, some find the booking process challenging and note occasional rudeness from administrative staff.
"I visited this Convent after visiting Barragan's house in CDMX, I was just amazed by the architecture design, the colors, and every space that the Nun in charge of my solo visit showed me. I called a few days before my visit, I took the metro and bus to Tlalpan. When I arrived at the building, I rang the bell in front of the big convent's door, a little window opened and there was a nun asking me for my name and the time of my appointment. She allowed me to go inside and she explained to me the rules of the visit, she was my tour guide, and for almost an hour she explained to me everything that I needed to know about the Convent; at one point we had to wait in a small room while some nuns were moving around the space that we were visiting, and since I was not part of the convent I could not be in the presence of the other nuns. Towards the end she took me to a room to buy postcards and cookies that the nuns baked there. The whole experience was moving and I had the chance to sit down on the main square in Tlalpan and process what I just experienced."
%%%%%
"If you appreciate Barragan's architecture, his amazing use of color, light and volume, go here. BUT, beware that Google maps has the wrong address. When you call the Chapel to make your reservation, be sure you get the right address."
Claire Tompkins (Clutter Coach)
"Ok but don’t call to ask questions, the office is incredibly rude"
A Lin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The chapel is located in Tlalpan. You can reach it using the metro and then a bus. It's advisable to confirm the exact route and address with the institute when you book your visit, as navigation apps can sometimes be inaccurate.
Finding it can be a bit tricky due to potential address discrepancies on navigation apps. It's best to have the confirmed address from your reservation and perhaps ask locals for directions once you're in the Tlalpan area.
Many visitors opt for a combination of the metro and a local bus to reach Tlalpan. This is often the most economical and authentic way to experience the journey.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. If driving, be prepared to search for street parking in the Tlalpan neighborhood, which can be challenging. Public transport is generally recommended.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber or Didi are a convenient option to reach Tlalpan. Ensure your driver has the correct, confirmed address for the chapel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking requires an advance reservation. You may need to attend a specific cultural event at the Instituto Cultural Helénico or contact them directly. The process can sometimes be challenging.
No, access is strictly by appointment. Spontaneous visits are generally not permitted as it's a private property and a functioning convent.
Opening hours are tied to your reservation time. It's best to confirm your specific slot when booking, as they are not public museum hours.
While there isn't a standard admission fee like a museum, visits are often linked to cultural events or require a donation. Inquire about any associated costs when booking.
It is highly unlikely. Advance booking is the only reliable way to secure entry. Trying to get last-minute tickets is not recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, but it's essential to be discreet and respectful. Some areas might have restrictions, and it's a sacred space, so avoid intrusive shots.
It's best to avoid flash photography to protect the delicate interiors and out of respect for the convent's atmosphere. Always check for posted signs or ask your guide.
Many visitors are captivated by the way light filters through the windows, creating artistic compositions. The cloister and the main chapel are particularly photogenic.
Focus on the interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant yet serene color palettes, and the architectural lines that define Barragán's style.
Absolutely not. The nuns are residents of the convent, and photographing them without explicit permission is a serious breach of privacy and respect.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Visitors describe it as a moving and sublime experience, even for non-religious individuals. You'll be guided through the spaces, learning about Barragán's design and the convent's history.
Solo visits are possible, but you might encounter other visitors or need to wait for nuns to pass through certain areas. The experience is often intimate and contemplative.
Yes, typically a nun from the convent will guide you through the chapel and explain its significance and history.
Dress respectfully, as it is a religious site. Modest clothing is recommended, covering shoulders and knees.
A guided tour usually lasts around an hour, but you might have time to reflect in certain areas afterward.
🍽️ 🍪 Food & Dining
While there isn't a restaurant, the nuns often sell homemade cookies and postcards, which are a delightful way to support the convent.
Tlalpan offers a variety of local eateries and street food options. You can find traditional Mexican cuisine before or after your visit to the chapel.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the chapel and convent premises out of respect for the sacred space.
Yes, the Tlalpan area has several cafes and small restaurants where you can grab a coffee or a light meal.
It's advisable to eat before or after your visit, as the focus inside the chapel is on contemplation and architecture, not dining.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a visit during a time when you can also explore other family-friendly activities in Tlalpan. This allows for a more balanced day, with the chapel visit serving as a cultural highlight. Pack snacks and water to keep children comfortable, but be prepared to consume them outside the chapel premises. The experience can be a valuable lesson in appreciating different environments and cultures.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Be prepared to spend time observing the subtle details: how light shifts throughout the day, the impact of the color palette, and the serene flow of the spaces. Engaging with the nun who guides the tour can offer unique insights into the building's history and Barragán's intentions. This is not just a building; it's an experience designed to evoke a profound response.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Serenity
Take your time to absorb the details, sit in quiet contemplation, and appreciate the spiritual aura of the convent. The guided tour by a nun can add a layer of personal connection to the experience. It's an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with yourself in a truly unique and beautiful setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Vision of Luis Barragán
Barragán's influence extends beyond Mexico, inspiring architects worldwide with his minimalist yet emotionally rich designs. He believed that architecture should speak to the soul, and the Capuchinas Chapel is a prime example of this. The way light plays on the walls, the subtle shifts in color, and the quietude of the space all contribute to a profound sense of peace. Visitors often describe feeling a deep emotional connection to the architecture, a testament to Barragán's genius in manipulating sensory elements to create a spiritual ambiance.
When visiting, pay close attention to the dialogue between solid and void, the tactility of materials, and the emotional impact of color. Barragán's work encourages a slower, more mindful engagement with the built environment, inviting visitors to experience architecture not just with their eyes, but with their entire being. The Capuchinas Chapel, though a religious space, transcends its function to become a sanctuary for architectural appreciation and personal reflection.
Accessing the Capuchinas Chapel: A Traveler's Guide
Travelers have reported challenges with booking, including non-responsive phone numbers. It's crucial to verify the correct address when making arrangements, as online maps can be misleading. Once you have a confirmed appointment, be prepared for a unique experience. You'll likely be guided by one of the nuns, who will share insights into the chapel's history and Barragán's design. Remember to be respectful of the convent's residents and their routines; you may need to wait for them to pass through certain areas.
For those passionate about Luis Barragán's work, the effort to visit is highly rewarding. The intimate setting and the personal guidance offer a deeper appreciation of his architectural vision. Consider purchasing souvenirs like postcards or homemade cookies from the nuns, as this is a way to support their community and take a tangible piece of the experience with you.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit