Andrés Barbero Ethnographic Museum

Introduction

The Museo Etnográfico Dr. Andrés Barbero, located in Asunción, Paraguay, is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and varied traditions of the indigenous peoples of Paraguay and the Americas. Founded by Dr. Andrés Barbero, a prominent Paraguayan scientist, this museum showcases a vast collection of archaeological and anthropological artifacts.

History

Founded in 1909 by Dr. Andrés Barbero, the museum has a diverse collection that primarily focuses on Paraguayan ethnography. Over the years, the museum amassed more and more artifacts that now provide insight into the diverse indigenous cultures that have existed in the Americas for thousands of years.

How to Get There

The museum is located in Asunción’s city center, at España 217. Visitors can make their way to the museum either by public transportation, taxi, or on foot if based centrally in the city. The exact address is España 217, Asunción, Paraguay.

Attractions

• Extensive collections of pottery, textiles, and metalwork representing the different indigenous cultures of Paraguay.
• Exquisite Guarani artifacts, including feather art and yarará-patterned ceramics.
• An array of masks from the Mataco and Chaco cultures, each with their unique symbolism.

Ticket Information

The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and then from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is 10,000 Guaraníes (around 2 USD).

Tips for Visiting

• The museum offers free guided tours, which are excellent for a deeper understanding of the artifacts.
• Displays are primarily labelled in Spanish, so it’s helpful to have a translator or a translation app if you’re not fluent.
• Photography is allowed, making it a great opportunity to document some unique indigenous artifacts.
• Plan a good 2-3 hours to thoroughly explore the museum’s vast collection.