The monument was originally located at a different intersection and moved to its current site in the 1980s to accommodate urban infrastructure changes.
The central bronze sculpture represents the effort of Mexican workers during the oil expropriation process.
The fountain is officially known as the 'Monument to the Oil Expropriation'.
It is situated on one of the busiest traffic nodes in Mexico City, acting as a gateway to the upscale Lomas neighborhood.
The sculpture was designed by Juan Olaguíbel, who also created the iconic Monumento al Pípila in Guanajuato.
It is frequently illuminated at night, making it a prominent landmark for drivers on the Periférico highway.
The Petroleum Fountain, known locally as the Fuente de Petróleos, is a monumental bronze sculpture located at the intersection of Paseo de la Reforma and Anillo Periférico. Commissioned in 1952 by President Miguel Alemán Valdés, it commemorates the nationalization of the Mexican oil industry. The central bronze structure was designed by sculptor Juan Olaguíbel, famous for his work on the Diana the Huntress fountain. Originally built to celebrate the expropriation of foreign-owned oil companies, it stands as a symbolic centerpiece in the Lomas de Chapultepec area. The sculpture features stylized human figures representing the labor and progress associated with petroleum production. It sits within a large circular traffic roundabout, serving as a distinct visual marker between the city center and the western residential districts. The surrounding garden area provides a buffer from the heavy traffic of the Periférico expressway.
From the pedestrian walkway on the corner of Paseo de la Reforma, which offers a clear view of the sculpture without obstructing traffic.
Do not attempt to cross the busy traffic circle on foot; view the monument from the safety of the perimeter sidewalks.
The monument is best appreciated while moving through the area by car or bus, as it is designed for peripheral viewing.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Bosque de Chapultepec for a pedestrian-friendly experience.
Attempting to walk onto the central traffic island is dangerous and prohibited due to high-speed vehicle traffic.
