It will be erected on a hill above the Mexican capital, in the town of Atisapan. In order to achieve the optimal combination of functionality and expressiveness, the architects intend to shape the structure into a cross. This volume was obtained by him in the process of "opening the box" (a box is understood as a familiar building-rectangular block). This solution will maximize the use of the terrain: part of the building will protrude from the top of the hill like a console: shaded spaces for social events will be arranged under it, and views of the surrounding landscape will open from the roof. The volume expanding outwardly invites visitors inside, and the same “benevolent” policy is continued inside the building: even the premises of storerooms and restoration workshops will be available to the public.
It is planned to avoid the use of an air conditioning system and, if possible, artificial lighting, since the porous brick walls will let in fresh air and light from the outside.
The museum is named after the Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991).
