This colonial house, one of the few remaining in Asuncion, was used as a secret meeting place by the forefathers of the Paraguayan independence. From here, plans were drawn up to overthrow the Spanish governor and declare independence from Spanish colonial rule. Both the original house and the adjoining alleyway (called the “Callejon de la Independencia”) have been preserved. The museum features paintings, documents, and objects having to do with Paraguay’s colonial era including the declaration of independence. The section of the house to the right contains items from daily colonial life and others pertaining to the fathers of Paraguay’s independence. The section to the left, of the courtyard, houses items that focus mostly on government activities. The tiled map of colonial Asuncion at the entrance is also nice. Tel: 021 493 918, Corner of 14 de Mayo and Presidente Franco, www.casadelaindependencia.org.py, Mon-Fri 7am-6:30pm, Sat 8am-12pm (call for summer hours) Museo Etnografico Andres Barbero
Casa de la Independencia Photo Gallery
The museum houses an extensive collection of indigenous artifacts representing all of Paraguay’s indigenous tribes. The majority of the objects, from ceramics to weapons and textiles were collected during the 1900’s by some of Paraguay’s most pre-eminent anthropologists and ethnographers. The museum’s photographic displays help bring to life the artifacts, placing them into context of the everyday life of Paraguay’s native population. For those interested in researching Paraguay’s rich indigenous culture further, there is also a library. Tel: 021 441 696, Avenida Espana 217, www.museobarbero.org.py, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Museo Arqueologico y Etnografico Guido Boggiani
Worth the visit to San Lorenzo, this museum is a labor of love by one of Paraguay’s pioneer indigenous rights activists, Jose Perasso. It offers a great overview of Paraguay’s various indigenous tribes. The collection includes charismatic masks, stirring photographs, and a nice selection of feathered ceremonial headdresses. The museum’s large gift, shop (across the street) contains a large number of indigenous handicrafts with prices set by the artists themselves and proceeds are donated to the indigenous community. The museum provides indigenous groups traveling to Asuncion with food and lodging (donations in the form of both food and clothing are welcome). Tel: 021 584 717, Coronel Bogado 888 off the main plaza in San Lorenzo (the museum’s sign is a lightly etched sandstone on a white wall), Tue-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-12pm, 3pm-6pm Museo de Arte Sacro
Housed in a fully restored historic manor, this private museum contains one hundred creatively displayed Jesuit sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum also has a nice gift shop and library. Corner of Manuel Dominguez and Paraguari, Tel: 021 449 439,
www.museodeartesacro.com, Tue-Sun 9am-6pm, Entry fee: Gs. 25,000
