15 Unusual Things in DC that Tourists Should Seek Out

WASHINGTON POST, Sep 18, 2018 >

“Aztecs and Quetzalcoatl, Columbus and Hidalgo: Climb the stairs in the Mexican Cultural Institute, and you’ll find yourself looking at the history of a country as you never have before. Painted by Mexican artist Roberto Cueva del Río over eight years beginning in 1933, the dazzling mural winds its way up the institute’s staircase, stretching three stories tall.

The panels exemplify the tradition of Mexican muralism and depict moments in the country’s history, from its settlement by the Aztecs, to the landing of Christopher Columbus, to the dawn of the nation’s transition from agrarianism to industry. Cueva del Río was only 23 when he began the work, at the recommendation of renowned painter Diego Rivera, in what was then the city’s site of the Mexican Embassy. This is one history lesson that requires you to watch your step.”