Andres Barbero Ethnographic Museum, Asuncion

The Andrés Barbero Ethnographic Museum is one of Paraguay’s most significant cultural institutions, offering an in-depth look into the country’s indigenous and archaeological heritage. Founded by Dr. Andrés Barbero and inaugurated on November 28, 1933, the museum was created in collaboration with the Paraguayan Scientific Society. Since 1956, it has been housed in the elegant Museo Dr. Andrés Barbero building on España Street in central Asunción.

The museum is home to one of Paraguay’s most important collections of ethnographic and archaeological artifacts. Its exhibitions focus on the daily life, spiritual practices, and material culture of Paraguay’s diverse indigenous communities, both past and present. Visitors can explore a range of traditional objects, including musical instruments, tools, weapons, funerary vessels, and striking canoe-shaped altars-highlighting pre-Hispanic beliefs and craftsmanship.

Beyond artifacts, the museum provides context about the geographic distribution of ethnic groups before Spanish colonization, offering insight into how these communities lived and interacted with their environment. The layout is visitor-friendly, and organized into thematic sections that encourage exploration and reflection.

With interactive displays, educational programs, and rotating exhibits featuring contemporary artists linked to traditional practices, the museum continues to serve as a lively space for cultural exchange and learning. It also regularly hosts workshops and events that engage the public in the ongoing story of Paraguay’s cultural evolution.

A visit to the Andrés Barbero Ethnographic Museum is not only a journey into the country’s indigenous legacy but also a thoughtful encounter with the roots that continue to shape Paraguay’s national identity.