cast in red-pigmented concrete, la cacaotera museum celebrates cacao heritage in mexico

Regional Museum La Cacaotera pays tribute to Cacao Heritage

Regional Museum La Cacaotera, located within the Malecón intervention area of Villahermosa, aims to promote learning about cacao culture in the state of Tabasco, the largest producer of this good in Mexico. The museum project was undertaken by the collaborative team of Laboratorio Regional de Arquitectura, Taller | Mauricio Rocha, and Samuele Xompero after the demolition of the building that once housed the National Union of Cacao Producers, and which had suffered severe structural damage. The building’s architecture incorporates the formal memory of its predecessor, but with a new program dedicated to showcasing the transformation of cacao into chocolate. The building features an exhibition space that tells the story of cacao and its cultural impact, complemented by a workshop area where, through the use of grinding, roasting, and shelling machines (among others), the production processes are explained to the visitors.

all images by Miguel Cobos

Red Concrete and Mosaic Reliefs Define La Cacaotera’s Materiality

The creative team, including practice Laboratorio Regional de Arquitectura, studio Taller | Mauricio Rocha, and designer Samuele Xompero, selects reinforced concrete with red pigment as the dominating material. The project’s materiality is visible in the structure, complemented by latticework and clay floors, glass, and iron. Endemic vegetation from the banks of the Grijalva River is also incorporated into this palette, integrating the Regional Museum La Cacaotera with its urban context. It is worth highlighting the integration of high-relief mosaic works depicting elements of cacao culture, as well as the region’s endemic flora and fauna. These pieces were created by artist Alejandra Cámara in collaboration with artisans from the state of Tabasco. 

Regional Museum La Cacaotera is located within the Malecón area of Villahermosa

the museum promotes knowledge of cacao culture in Tabasco

landscaping connects the museum to its urban and ecological context

reinforced concrete with red pigment defines the building’s structure

latticework, clay floors, glass, and iron complement the material palette

high-relief mosaics depict cacao culture and regional biodiversity

structural elements remain exposed to emphasize construction

a workshop area demonstrates grinding, roasting, and shelling processes

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project info:

name: Regional Museum La Cacaotera
architects: Laboratorio Regional de Arquitectura | @laboratoriodearquitectura + Taller | Mauricio Rocha | @taller_mauricio_rocha + Samuele Xompero
collaborators: Samuele Xompero, José Luis Contreras, Juan Manuel Manjarrez

location: Villahermosa, Mexico

area: 1,150 sqm

photographer: Miguel Cobos | @miguelcobos._

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom