by Nicole Falconi, 09.04.2026-29.04.2026
Project: Emmy Noether Gruppe (DFG): Anatomische Theater der frühen Neuzeit zwischen Kunst, Natur und Wissenschaft
During the three-week-long trip to Mexico City in April 2026, Nicole Falconi carried out research in various archives and libraries to collect information on the architecture of establishments where European and Mesoamerican medical systems and anatomical practices came into contact.
The earliest dissections and anatomical studies were performed within the Hospital Real de los Naturales (or de los Indígenas) – founded in the mid-16th century to meet the need for medical care among the recently conquered indigenous population. It was located in the pre-Hispanic neighbourhood of Moyotla in the outskirts of the city centre.
Additionally, the on-site research not only allowed to experience the urban fabric, as well as the connections and proximity of these institutions within the city, but also to gain insights into the role of European power structures, social stratification or imposed values and (scientific) belief systems, moreover into the effects these had on healthcare, anatomical practices and architectural responses to the topography of the “New World”.
Very interesting findings on the architecture of the spaces were made thanks to 18th century materials preserved at the archive of the Instituto Nacional de Historia e Antropología (BNAH), furthermore the informative museum exhibitions at the Palacio de Escuela de Medicina (UNAM) provided a visual counterpart to the research.
