The day Mexico took its oil back
On 18 March 1938, President Lázaro Cárdenas expropriated the oil industry from foreign companies, mostly American and British.
Urban Tales › Mexico City › Petroleum Fountain (Fuente de Petróleos)
Fuente de Petróleos: the history, and the oil Mexico took back
On Paseo de la Reforma, at the gate to Lomas de Chapultepec, a fountain celebrates the day Mexico took its oil back from foreign companies. Here's what you're looking at.
Inaugurated18 Mar 1952
ArchitectVicente Mendiola
SculptorJ. F. Olaguíbel
Bronze≈ 18 tonnes
Hear the Petroleum Fountain (Fuente de Petróleos) story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Paid with chickens
Mexicans rushed to help pay the compensation, giving money, jewelry and even chickens. The fountain opened on the 14th anniversary, in 1952.
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The Diana's makers
Vicente Mendiola and Juan Fernando Olaguíbel, who designed it, were the same pair behind the Diana the Huntress fountain further down Reforma.
TipIt sits in the middle of a busy roundabout, so admire it from the edge, ideally at night when the water and bronze are lit. With Urban Tales running, the fountain's story plays as you reach the Glorieta de Petróleos.
Nearby landmarks
Petroleum Fountain (Fuente de Petróleos): common questions
What does the Fuente de Petróleos commemorate?
The oil expropriation of 18 March 1938 by President Lázaro Cárdenas.
When was the Fuente de Petróleos built?
It was inaugurated on 18 March 1952.
Who designed the Fuente de Petróleos?
Architect Vicente Mendiola with sculptor Juan Fernando Olaguíbel.