("Stele of Light") | |
 "Estela de Luz" monument and the Torre Mayor in the background | |
 Interactive map of Estela de Luz | |
| Location | AvenidaPaseo de la Reforma at easternmost end ofChapultepec Park (Calle Lieja) |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 19°25′23″N99°10′33″W / 19.423048°N 99.175857°W /19.423048; -99.175857 |
| Material | quartz |
| Height | 104 meters (341.2 feet) |
| Beginning date | September 22, 2009 |
| Completion date | December 31, 2011 |
| Opening date | January 7, 2012 |
| Dedicated to | Bicentennial of Independence/Centennial of the Revolution |
TheEstela de Luz (Stele of Light) is a monument inMexico City built in 2011 tocommemorate the bicentenary ofMexico'sindependence from Spanish rule. Its design was the winning entry in an invited competition to seek the best combination of Mexico's past and future;[citation needed] the design uses quartz and electric lighting to achieve this effect.[1] The Estela de Luz is mainly used for cultural events. Below it, theCentro de Cultura Digital cultural complex was built.
The monument is popularly known as theSuavicrema (a brand of ice creamwafer) due to the resemblance on its shape to said wafer.[2]
The Estela de Luz was criticized for being built late for the main ceremonies and for exceeding the estimated costs by almost three times. Officials noted that the structure needed to be reinforced against earthquakes, similarly to that of theTorre Mayor. This reinforcement, coupled with conflicts between the architect and the construction company, were major reasons for the additional time and expense.[3] Two months after the January 2012 inauguration, the Estela de Luz was tested by the2012 Guerrero–Oaxaca earthquake, which it withstood, along with other tall buildings in the area.[citation needed]
Media related toEstela de Luz at Wikimedia Commons | This article about a Mexican building or structure is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
