Culture dissemination and heritage preservation are a priority at the Institute, due to its interest in disseminating and promoting art and culture among the polytechnic community and society in general. Last year, almost 248 000 people participate in these activities.

The cultural heritage of the Institute is carefully preserved and increased with dedication. Its pictorial heritage includes murals by David Alfaro Siqueiros, Saturnino Herrán, Raúl Anguiano, Jorge González Camarena, Alfonso Delgado, Federico Silva, José Luis Elías Jáuregui. Easels include paintings by José Chávez Morado, Rodolfo Morales, Francisco Toledo, José Zúñiga, Gustavo Montoya, Sofía Bassi, Froylán Ojeda, Uriel Parker, Martha Chapa, Julián Castruita; etchings by Raúl Anguiano, Pablo O´Higgins, Juan Soriano, Arnold Belkin, Rafael Coronel, José Luis Cuevas, and bronze marble, wood, and enamel iron sculptures by Sebastián, Vicente Rojo, Francisco Marín, Pedro Coronel, Ivonne Domenge, Lourdes Álvarez, Agustín Casas, Elizabeth Catlett, Francisco Zuñiga y Alfredo Zalce, among the many renowned artists.

Colonial buildings which make up the IPN’s architectural heritage are also worth mentioning (Continuing Education and Distance Education Center, Allende Unit), as well as modern (Commission for the Operation and Promotion of Academic Activities, designed by Juan O´Gorman), and contemporary buildings (General Directorate).

For over 40 years, the IPN Symphonic Orchestra has played a relevant role in Mexico’s musical panorama. With 90 musicians, it performs twice a year at its venue, the “Alejo Peralta” Auditorium of the “Jaime Torres Bodet” Cultural Center, and frequently performs at academic units of the Institute.