Bryant Park

This monument depicts Benito Juárez (1806–1872), one of Mexico’s most loved political figures and the first Mexican figure to be commemorated with a city monument. Mexican sculptor Moises Cabrera Orozco (b. 1936) created the piece, which portrays Juárez leaning on a tablet with his quotation, “Respect for the rights of others is peace,” inscribed in both Spanish and English. The granite pedestal was designed by TEN Arquitectos. The monument, dedicated on October 9, 2004, was sponsored by the Mexican state of Oaxaca on behalf of the Mexican Government with additional support from the Mexican Trade Center.

A Zapotec Indian, Juárez came from humble origins. Born in Guelatao, Oaxaca in 1806, he later joined the seminary and eventually studied law. Once governor of Oaxaca and a major reform figure, he was later exiled, spending time in New Orleans before returning to Mexico during the Mexican Civil War (1858–1861). After the victory of the reformers, Juárez became Mexico’s first indigenous president, serving from 1861 to 1863. He served again from 1867 to 1872 during a tumultuous period in which reformers helped stave off a French invasion and preserve Mexico’s independence. As a force in Mexico’s shift to a democratic society, he is revered as one of Mexico’s greatest political leaders. Juárez died of heart failure in Mexico City in 1872.

The Juárez Monument stands along Avenue of the Americas between 41st and 42nd Streets, on the perimeter of Bryant Park, in a symmetrical position to the existing sculpture of José Bonidacio de Andrada e Silva (1763–1838), the Brazilian leader. With the addition of Juárez, seven sculptures of Latin American leaders now overlook the Avenue of the Americas. A sculpture of Uruguayan independence leader and national hero General José Artigas (1764–1850) stands in Soho Square, Juan Pablo Duarte (1813–1876), considered the Father of the Dominican Republic is at Canal Street. At Central Park South are statues of the Cuban patriot, journalist and poet, José Martí (1853–1895), Argentine General José de San Martín (1778–1850) and South American liberator Simón Bolívar (1783–1830).

Sculptor Moises Cabrera Orozco was born in Juchitán, Oaxaca, in 1936, and is related to the Mexican social-realist painter and muralist Jose Clemente Orozco. He studied at La Esmeralda National School of Painting and Sculpture and the San Carlos Academy. Cabrera founded and directed the National School of Art in Mexico City. His notable Mexican works include the Monument to the September Heroes, the Monument to the Mexican Soldier, the Seven Arms Chandelier, and the Catus Sculpture. He also has done work in Japan, Italy, Cuba, Guatemala, Costa Rica, France, Argentina and Puerto Rico.

Continuing maintenance for the monument has been endowed by the Mexican Government and the Mexican Trade Center, and seasonal plantings are provided by the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation.