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Museums and galleries in Asunción

7 museums and galleries in Asunción, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Museums and galleries in Asunción

  1. See

    Casa de la Independencia

    Historic house built in 1772 where the independence of Paraguay was secretly planned in 1811. Well preserved historic museum furnished with items of historic and artistic interest.

    Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00; Sat 08:00-13:00Free

  2. See

    Centro Cultural El Cabildo

    One of the few museums that open on weekends it's in an old colonial building that was the Congress Palace until 2003. Near the riverside costanera it has various exhibition spaces. The Sala Museo del Barro is one of the sections which presents pieces of indigenous art from native groups of Paraguay and Latin America. Another permanent exhibition space is the Sala Agustín Pío Barrios - Mangoré, which treasures the life and work of the great composer of the Paraguayan guitar. Another section is the Sala de la Escena Paraguaya - Edda de los Ríos which aims to disseminate everything related to the performing arts in Paraguay. There are also works from potter artist Julia Isídrez exhibiting a variety of clay works, in dark tone, with designs of faces, animals and nature figures. The Cabildo also incorporates works from traditional Christmas cribs by local artists such as Lucy Yegros, Gabriela Zuccolillo and Carlo Spatuzza.

    Tue-Fri 09:00-20:00; Sat Sun 10:00-17:00Free

  3. See

    Estación Central del Ferrocarril

    Central Railway Station

    Paraguay was the first country in South America to have a steam-powered train. It now houses a museum, but more impressive is the building itself and old wagons.

    free

  4. See

    Manzana de la Rivera

    Cultural and exhibition complex in a series of interconnected old colonial houses comprising an entire square block. Has a nice outdoor cafe overlooking the Palacio de López.

    free

  5. See

    Museo del Barro

    Best museum in town. Displays of Paraguayan art, dating from pre-colonial ceramics and textiles to avant garde contemporary art.

  6. See

    National Congress of Paraguay

    Palacio Legislativo

    One of the more impressive new buildings in the city. It was built in 2002 with a US$20 million donation from the Republic of China (Taiwan) government. Paraguay is one of the few countries and also the only country in South America that recognizes the Republic of China (Taiwan) as opposed to mainland China (People's Republic of China). Most striking is its mirrored façade, which reflects the nearby slums along the bank of the river. You can ask for a tour in English, and maybe get one. Arrive by 13:00, so that you will be able to visit the small museum inside.

  7. Do Not mapped

    Trade fair

    An exhibition booths, food, music and liquor. This is a good way to learn about what goes on in the country, the exhibitors range from agricultural suppliers to liquor manufacturers. Keep an eye out for the many free samples of food, soap, drinks, etc.

    Every July

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Asunción (CC BY-SA 4.0).