The Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico's Philharmonic Orchestra, also known as OFUNAM) was founded in 1936 and is the oldest symphonic group in Mexico City. It is based at Sala Nezahuacóyotl at the University City of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, in Mexico City. It was the first orchestra in Mexico to present annual concert seasons. Also, it is already a tradition that the orchestra presents an annual program of Mexican symphonic music.
Some consider OFUNAM was created in 1929 when, soon after the obtainment of UNAM's autonomy, a group of students and professors set an orchestra at the Faculty of Music. However, it was officially founded in 1936, with the official approval granted by Lázaro Cárdenas's government. The original name was Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad (University's Symphonic University) and was conducted by José F. Vásquez and José Rocabruna. The orchestra was based at Anfiteatro Simón Bolívar.
In 1966, a new base was assigned: Auditorio Justo Sierra at the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature. In 1966, the assignment of a new art director, Eduardo Mata, established the start of a new period, when UNAM's Symphonic Orchestra became UNAM's Philharmonic Orchestra (OFUNAM). One year later, OFUNAM moved to its current base, Sala Nezahualcóyotl. Zuohuang Chen was the conductor from 2002 to 2006. In 2006, OFUNAM celebrated its 70th anniversary, Sala Nezahualcóyotl's 30th anniversary, as well as Mozart's 250th birth anniversary and Shostakovich's 100th birth anniversary. Welsh Alun Francis is OFUNAM's current art conductor, and Mexican Rodrigo Macías is the assistant conductor.