The Las Pozas Garden, located in Mexico’s San Luis Potosí state, has captivated visitors from around the globe, even though its creator passed away over 30 years ago.
Nestled within Mexico’s tropical rainforests lies an enigmatic, surreal, and slightly peculiar garden designed by artist Edward James. Built beside a series of natural waterfalls, its name, “Las Pozas,” translates to “The Pools,” inspired by these cascading water features.
A Surreal Creation Hidden in the Jungle
This eccentric, towering sculpture garden is situated in the subtropical rainforest near the town of Xilitla in Mexico. It has become a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers exploring Mexico.
Las Pozas was the brainchild of poet and artist Edward James. Born into an upper-class family, James turned his back on his aristocratic title, rejecting the rigid societal norms of the upper class, and instead pursued his dream of architecture.
In the early 1940s, James initially intended to bring his vision of a “Garden of Eden” to life in Los Angeles. However, he eventually shifted his plans to Mexico, enchanted by its romantic beauty.
Set in the lush hills of northern Mexico, at an altitude of 610 meters, the site became the perfect location for James’ Las Pozas Garden, spanning over 300,000 square meters. Originally, James had filled the garden with 29,000 orchids, spread across the waterfalls and natural pools.
However, in 1962, nature disrupted his plans when a frost destroyed his beloved orchids. Instead of flowers, James invested millions of dollars and hired many workers to construct a surreal concrete garden, inspired by orchids and local vegetation.
A Dream Carved in Concrete
Between 1949 and 1984, James built a total of 36 towering concrete structures, including palaces, temples, and pavilions, at a cost of over $7 million. One of these architectural wonders, dubbed “The Three-Story House,” ironically has six stories in reality.
The roofs of the palaces and temples resemble stranded whales draped in moss and lichen, blending seamlessly with the dense jungle surroundings. Concrete spiral staircases appear to lead to the heavens, while the buildings resemble a mysterious labyrinth deep in the forest, interconnected by winding pathways that guide visitors into Edward James’ magical world.
Throughout the garden, artistic details emerge amid the untamed wilderness. Interestingly, most of the structures remain incomplete, leaving visitors with a sense of awe and contemplation.
When questioned about this unfinished state, James famously said, “Art is always in creation, so this work will never be finished. It belongs to everyone.” His intent was for future artists and architects to visit and add their creative touches to the garden after his passing.
All sculptures and structures in Las Pozas were crafted using wooden molds filled with concrete and reinforced steel. To this day, many of these structures retain their raw, unpainted concrete appearance.
Legacy and Preservation
This extraordinary sculpture garden has since become a prominent landmark on the world’s artistic map. Despite some wear and tear over time, its charm remains intact. In 2007, a private company, in collaboration with the government, established a fund to restore and preserve this cultural treasure.
When to Visit Las Pozas
The best time to explore Las Pozas is late summer, as several cultural events, including festivals, take place in late August. Additionally, the Ciudad Santos Festival in September and Halloween celebrations in October make for exciting times to visit. However, Las Pozas is a fascinating destination that enchants visitors year-round.
