A Walk Through the Emblematic Places of the IPN

Zenaida Alzaga

Hearing about the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) brings to mind its founder: General Lázaro Cárdenas del Río, who, in the post-revolutionary situation that Mexicans were going through, had the initiative to establish a free educational institution for the training of technical and professional personnel to contribute to the development and growth of the country.

In 1936, Cárdenas decreed the creation of the IPN, which welcomed the children of workers, peasants, and individuals with limited resources, all of whom would contribute to the development and reconstruction of a post-revolutionary nation.

That's how the first unit of the Politécnico was established on land that belonged to the Instituto Técnico Industrial (formerly part of the Escuela Nacional de Agricultura), what we know today as the Santo Tomás Campus or the "Lázaro Cárdenas" Professional Unit.

While strolling along Prolongación de Carpio and Lauro Aguirre Streets in Santo Tomás Campus, you can observe the distinctive colors of this institution: maroon and white. You can also hear the resounding "Huélum! Huélum!" in unison, representing the glory, pride, and sense of belonging of the Polytechnic community.

During your tour of the "Casco" (Campus), you will come across the "Juan de Dios Bátiz" Historical and Cultural Center, known as the "Cuadrilátero," which showcases symbols that embody the Polytechnic identity. In its early days, there were 16 pre-vocational schools, four Vocational Schools, and seven higher education institutions.

As you wander through its halls, you'll find the Dean's Office, which preserves the historical memory of the Institute. Its architecture has witnessed history, and its walls feature a mural by Francisco Pego that depicts the history of technical education in the country.

Walking through its square, you'll encounter bronze sculptures of figures who contributed to the construction of the nation's premier public technological educational institution, such as Lázaro Cárdenas and Juan de Dios Bátiz. You can also enjoy reading a good book in the Central Library.

In the "Casco," you'll find the first schools of the Politécnico, including the Escuela Superior de Medicina (ESM), the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), the Centro de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos number 11 "Wilfrido Massieu," the Centro de Lenguas Extranjeras (Cenlex), among others. You can also savor the delights of "El Compache" taco stand and a wide variety of affordable cuisine to suit all tastes and budgets.

Throughout its history, the IPN has become a national and international benchmark, and its contributions to science and technology have earned it a place in the most prestigious global rankings. This has led to an increased demand for education in its classrooms and the need to create new academic units since the 1950s.

During that time, the so-called "city of the Polytechnic" was overwhelmed by the influx of students eager to join the maroon and white ranks. As a result, the authorities expropriated the lands of Santa María Ticomán and San Pedro Zacatenco in 1958 to begin the construction of the "Adolfo López Mateos" Professional Unit in Zacatenco.

The following year, the Politécnico already had four new buildings that housed the Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica (ESIME) and the School of Engineering and Architecture (ESIA).

During your visit to Zacatenco, whether on foot, by trolleybus, public transportation, or in a vehicle, you can enjoy academic, cultural, recreational activities, and budget-friendly dining options.

At the "Jaime Torres Bodet" Cultural Center, known as "El Queso," you'll find a diverse array of cultural offerings, from exhibitions by renowned artists, book fairs, concerts for both young and older audiences, to free performances by the National Polytechnic Institute Symphony Orchestra and the Alpha Nova Choir for fine arts enthusiasts.

If you're interested in exploring space and learning about the origins of stars and the universe beyond our planet, you can attend shows at the "Luis Enrique Erro" Planetarium, inaugurated in 1967, and participate in educational activities designed for children.

Another emblematic and artistically valuable space in Zacatenco is the Carillon Square, composed of 42 bells donated by the government of the Netherlands in 1958. You'll also appreciate a bronze sculpture donated by artist Manuel Felguérez, titled "Cavidad Florida."

Vicente Rojo created the perimeter sculptures and the concrete mural "Mexico in the Rain," elements that coexist in a space that transports us to an archaeological zone. Simultaneously, it becomes a feast for the senses and thoughts where science, technology, and culture converge.

Visit the "Wilfrido Massieu" Stadium, home to the most iconic sports events of the Institute, including those of the National Student American Football Organization (ONEFA) teams: Burros Blancos and Águilas Blancas. It also hosts the Once K race and the Interpolitécnicos Games. The stadium echoes with the glorious "Huélum!"

To conclude your tour of the most emblematic places of the Polytechnic, you can delight your palate with the famous tortas and flautas from "El Moreno," located in front of "El Queso," or enjoy some carnitas tacos.

Gaceta Politécnica #1739. (August 31st, 2023). IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in Spanish here