Coahuila State Government Palace

Coahuila State Government Palace
El Palacio de Gobierno de Coahuila
Alternative names	Pink Palace (Palacio Rosa)
General information
Architectural style	Neoclassical
Location	Plaza de Armas, Saltillo, Mexico
Country	Mexico
Coordinates	25.4219°N 101.0010°W / 25.4219; -101.0010
Year(s) built	1808-1809
Owner	Coahuila

The Coahuila State Government Palace (Spanish: El Palacio de Gobierno de Coahuila), also known as Pink Palace (Spanish: Palacio Rosa) is a building located in Saltillo, Mexico. It serves as the state government building of Coahuila and it is a part of the state's capital. The neoclassical structure holds seats for designated executive offices. The palace is nicknamed "Pink Palace" due to the pink color of the quarry sandstone. The building sits in the Plaza de Armas central square and right beside the San Esteban de Nueva Tlaxcala (Santa Cruz) fountain. The palace has 3 floors including several halls and an exhibition which visitors can enter without fee.

History

During Spain's colonial conquest of North America, Alberto del Canto, would establish a settlement known as Villa de Santiago del Saltillo (and later would become known as Saltillo) in 1577. The city would remain populated with mixed communities from the indigenous and the Spaniards. In the early 1800's, the city would become flourished with agriculture and commercial businesses. Between 1808-1809, the building would undergo construction and would open soon after. The palace was administered for the city mayor of Saltillo. In 1856, a fire broke out on the palace due to an explosion from the barrels of gunpowder stored inside, reducing the structure to rubbles. Reconstruction efforts to restore the original structure of the palace would take place between 1862-1885. The palace would transfer to the state government of Coahuila in 1929. The palace added a third floor in 1979 and renovated in 2009, an addition to a museum on the ground floor which opened in the same year.

Interior

Halls

Carranza Room

Governor's Hall

Conference room, adjacent to the President's Hall

In the palace consists of 5 different halls, one of which is the Carranza Hall. This hall is located on the floor of the palace and serves as a directory towards the governor of Coahuila's executive office. It is also adjacent to the Carranza Room, where cabinet delegates meet. The Governors Hall serves as a directory for ceremonies, held by delegates of the Coahuila government. The hall is adorned by a gallery, which holds portraits of important Mexican figures who have been a part of the Coahuilan government. The President's Hall is adjacent to the State Governors conference room. The hall also features a gallery with prominent Coahuilan figures who, as Mexican leaders, shaped the country's history.

Murals

The palace features murals painted by Mexican muralist Salvador Almaraz López, although some sources vary. The murals are separated as altarpieces. They represent the subsequent history of Coahuila and Mexico. These murals are located on each floor of the palace besides the halls.

Murals featuring the themes of Mexico and Coahuila

Exhibit

The exhibition is found on the ground floor of the palace, and consist of various artifacts and relics of the history of Coahuila and Mexico. The exhibition includes 9 rooms where these artifacts are held in. The exhibition was planned and constructed in 2007, eventually opening to the public in 2009 after completing it.