This article was made by our partner MUPAPY: Voices of Museums and Cultural Heritage. This week, the text is about the Monsignor Bogarín Museum.
The Monsignor Juan Sinforiano Bogarín Museum, housed in a late eighteenth century building located in downtown Asunción alongside the National Cathedral of Asunción, can be described as a hidden gem. With a vast collection of historical and ecclesiastic items, gathered by its founder across his many years of church work, it invites you to appreciate the artifacts that can transport you to different eras of Paraguayan history and culture.
Father Hugo Fernández, current director of the Monsignor Bogarín Museum, calls it an entrance gate that can help you learn more about Paraguay as a whole: “With collections that date back to the Jesuits missions, colonial times and the war years, we give you access to Paraguayan customs and traditions, that can unleash a new kind of interest in our country and invite you to visit new places related to the historical parts of it.”
The Monsignor Bogarín Museum is organised throughout different areas that display its collection according to the object’s era. Father Hugo told us that foreigners might be more interested in the Jesuit Room, with items dating back to the Order’s fist Paraguayan mission in the sixteenth century, craftwork, and indigenous art. The premises of the Monsignor Bogarín Museum also hold a large collection of sacred art and pieces related to the baroque Hispanic-guarani movement, that can be found not only in artwork, but also in day-to-day objects that were used by the community. This unique display makes the museum a very interesting destination!
Guarani’s Funeral Urns. Source: MUPAPY
If you are interested in learning more about the Monsignor Bogarín Museum’s exhibits and history, MUPA: Voices of Museums and Cultural Heritage, has a podcast (in Spanish) that can be found here. Eduardo Quintana, journalist, talks with Father Hugo as they walk through the rooms of one of the last colonial houses that remains in place among the modern buildings in Paraguay’s capital.
The Monsignor Bogarín Museum is open Thursdays to Sundays, from 11:00am to 6:00pm, and the entry fee is 10K Guaraníes, just over one American dollar. Visiting the Museum will sure enhance your understanding of Paraguay history and culture!
Monsignor Bogarín Museum Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11 AM to 6 PM
Friday: 11 AM to 6 PM
Saturday: 11 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 6 PM
