Mexico City renames poet's house after public outcry

Mexico City's Secretariat of Culture has reversed course on plans to transform the Casa del Poeta Ramón López Velarde into a cabaret, following significant public outcry. The cultural institution will now be known as Casa de las Palabras Ramón López Velarde, with officials vowing to keep poetry as the "undisputed epicenter of its cultural life."

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We will maintain poetry as the undisputed epicenter of its cultural life, and preserve its essence, vocation, and tradition.

The original plan to repurpose the 33-year-old literary landmark had drawn sharp criticism from poets, scholars, and local residents. They denounced the move as an "authoritarian destruction and dispossession" of a space dedicated to the legacy of poet Ramón López Velarde and the broader art of poetry.

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It is a propositive invitation to name culture from inclusion and diversity. We leave this reflection open, with the invitation to decide collectively.

The Secretariat of Culture stated the name change to "Casa de las Palabras" (House of Words) is an invitation to "leave behind generic masculine denominators" and reflect on language in the 21st century, promoting inclusivity and diversity. They acknowledged the "enormous heritage wealth" of the house's collections and promised enhanced research, exhibitions, and educational programs beyond passive conservation.

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the legacy of literary and the historical value of the life and work of the poet from Zacatecas

Despite the revised plan, some in the poetic community expressed concern that the identity and name of the Casa Ramón López Velarde were still being lost. The Secretariat, however, assured that the valuable archives, libraries, and museum space remain accessible, and a new creative space for children has been opened.

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the enormous heritage wealth of the collections it safeguards