The Cosmovitral Botanic Gardens(photo by Lucy Nieto)

The Cosmovitral was one Toluca’s marketplace, the 5,000 square meters offers an enchanting collection of 400 plant species that come from Central and South America, as well as, Asia and Africa. Most remarkable, of the art noveau building, are the stained glass windows that cover an amazing 3,000 square meters.

Stained glass (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

The stunning display of stained glass, the largest collection in the world, was completed in 1990 by the talented artist, Leopoldo Flores Valdes. The Toluca  native created the masterpieces utilizing 28 different colors of glass creating a stunning play of colors as sunlight filters through them into the gardens. Flores relates, from a cosmogenic perception, time, movement and the contradictory phenomena occurring in matter. Besides offering fluid art show that changes with the sun’s movements, the glass creates the perfect greenhouse environment for tropical species of plants.

Astounding beauty (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

While the colors of the glass are enriched by the natural beauty of the flora, the garden is a true sensory experience. Trickling waterfalls provide a soothing backdrop while classical music, piped through the museum’s sound system, delights visitors during the leisurely walk. Surrounded by beautiful sights, sounds and the comfortable embrace of the greenhouse environment, visitors find themselves slowing their journey to truly indulge themselves in the magic of the gardens.

Filtering sunlight (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

The Cosmovitral Botanic Gardens are located on Juarez and Lerdo de Tejada in downtown Toluca. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00p.m. Admission is 10 pesos for adults and 5 pesos for children. Guided tours are a great idea to learn all there is to know about the center and its amazing art.