For the past year Mexico City has put up an incredible and practical expo right on the sidewalks of the main street of the city--Reforma Avenue. Just like there were the buffaloes parading in all shapes and colors around Fargo, North Dakota; Peanuts characters in Minneapolis, Pigs, Cows and horses in various cities in the U.S., Pelicans in Pelican Papids, Minnesota, and even sunfish in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Several years ago there was Cow Parade in Mexico City and another expo of that in Gaudalajara. So expos put out for everyone to see for free in a city is nothing new.

But this time Mexico City put a wonderful, practical and useful expo in its streets. It is an expo of BENCHES!!! They had artisans from the country each create a unique bench that was put on the sidewalk. There are perhaps 60+ of them in a 5 block area, and they are great! People come to take photos and actually, they are in use at all hours of day and night. This is an amazing way to bring people together, and get them out even doing some exercise as they walk from bench to bench. Kids play on them. Teens hang out on them. People wait for buses on them. One set of benches is even a game board, so they play chess on them! There are various levels of seating in some of them. They are artistic, useful, and versatile.

One of the benches was designed by the famous sculptor and artist, Leonora Carrington. In fact, in the winter of 2008, two of the benches were on Reforma for people to enjoy actually USING the sculptural benches.

I can envision this in many cites, large or smale, not only in their downtowns, but in different neighborhoods. People could download a map, for example, and walk from bench to bench.This is a wonderful idea if cities would like to encourage its people to explore their city, and walk, and relax and visit with each other.

Hats off to the Benches on Reforma!