Mexico's famed department store evolves into a symbol of national culture
Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos: A Mexican Cultural Landmark
Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos, nestled in the heart of Mexico City, is a historic building that stands out with its striking façade adorned with blue and white Talavera tiles. This iconic structure, originally a palace dating back to the 18th century, has evolved into a renowned department store and social hub, embodying Mexican art, commerce, and culture.
The Sanborn brothers, Walter and Frank, arrived in Mexico City from California in 1903. In 1919, they rented the historic Casa de los Azulejos as a mixed-use space, transforming it into a unique blend of shopping and social experience. Sanborns integrated full-service restaurants and coffee shops with retail products, creating a vibrant atmosphere that was neither home nor work [1][2][3].
The opening of Sanborns in the Casa de los Azulejos on Oct. 11, 1919, was a success. The soda fountain installed in their pharmacy made it a popular gathering place among the capital's elite and middle classes. Early in the 1920s, Sanborns attracted Mexico City's intellectual and creative society, solidifying its role as a cultural and social gathering spot [3].
Inside, the Sanborns store offered a wide variety of daily-use products such as books, cosmetics, electronics, clothing, and pharmaceuticals. The product displays were organized and designed to capture a browser's attention, further enhancing the shopping experience [4].
Over the years, Sanborns has expanded and adapted to the times. In the mid-1980s, Sanborns American Pharmacy was sold to Grupo Carso, with Carlos Slim taking over ownership. Today, Sanborns offers digital catalogues and in-store pickup services to cater to digital-savvy shoppers. By 2021, Sanborns had expanded to 196 establishments across Mexico in various forms [6].
One of the most iconic elements of Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos is its holiday decor, particularly during Christmas, when the store is adorned with opulent holiday decorations. The signature dish at Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos is enchiladas suizas, a fundamental element of Mexican cuisine [5].
The building's historical significance is further highlighted by the presence of José Clemente Orozco's mural "Omnisciencia" on the staircase of the Casa de los Azulejos. This mural, commissioned in the 1930s, depicts various scenes of Mexican history and culture [2].
Despite recent challenges facing Sanborns with closures of various locations, the Casa de los Azulejos branch remains highly significant, with its preservation seen as essential given its architectural and historical importance. Mexico’s richest man, Carlos Slim, has indicated its survival is likely despite broader strategic changes to the chain [3].
Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos continues to be a popular destination for Mexico City visitors, embodying the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic building. As one of Mexico City's most famous landmarks, Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos stands as a testament to the enduring influence of the Sanborn brothers' hybrid pharmacy-parlor concept [1][5].
References: 1. Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos, Mexico City 2. Casa de los Azulejos, Mexico City 3. Sanborns to close stores, focus on digital sales 4. Sanborns: A Mexican Institution 5. Sanborns: A Mexican Tradition 6. Sanborns: A History of Growth
- The Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos, a beacon of Mexican culture, offers a blend of food-and-drink, fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and lifestyle products.
- Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos, with its historic façade, is a thriving symbol of news, business, and travel, attracting both locals and tourists.
- Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos, featuring José Clemente Orozco's mural "Omnisciencia," is a significant part of Mexico's cultural and art history.
- Beyond its shopping experience, Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos is renowned for its food-and-drink offerings, particularly its signature enchiladas suizas.
- The Casa de los Azulejos branch of Sanborns, despite facing challenges, remains a vital destination for travelers seeking authentic Mexican experiences.
- Over the years, Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos has evolved and adapted to the times, offering digital catalogues and in-store pickup services to cater to the changing lifestyle and travel habits of its customers.
