The Bicentennial House of Music “Agustín Pío Barrios” in Asunción is set to reopen its doors with a completely renewed exhibition. This cultural event on Tuesday 5 May, 2026, is timed to commemorate the 141st anniversary of the birth of its celebrated namesake, Agustín Pío Barrios, who is known globally as “Mangoré”, who is shown on the fifty-thousand-guaraní banknote.
Furthermore, the reopening also coincides with the 113th birth anniversary of fellow esteemed composer Agustín Barboza. The Cultural Centre of the Republic El Cabildo (CCR) announced that the official reopening ceremony will take place on 5 May at 19:00, at Cerro Corá 848 in Asunción.
A journey through the evolution of Paraguayan music
The new exhibition offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the evolution of Paraguayan music. It has been designed to articulate the development of both its traditional and academic streams. Consequently, the updated displays aim to present a holistic narrative of the nation’s rich and diverse musical heritage. The collection invites the public to explore the profound connections between music and national identity.
A renewed focus on national identity
The updated Bicentennial House Of Music museum display showcases an extensive array of important artefacts. These include historical musical instruments, original sheet music, and significant archival documents. In addition, the collection features personal objects and photographic records belonging to some of the country’s most prominent composers. This curated selection encourages visitors to reflect upon the intricate processes of musical creation. It also examines the circulation and institutionalisation of music as a fundamental component of Paraguay’s cultural identity.
The new museography is specifically designed to highlight pivotal moments in the nation’s musical timeline. It carefully establishes a compelling dialogue between long-standing tradition and modern innovation. The overarching goal is to present a dynamic and engaging story, illustrating how Paraguayan music has grown, adapted, and transformed over the centuries into the unique soundscape recognised today.
Curatorial vision and design
The curatorial script and the exhibition’s design were expertly managed by Carlo Spatuzza and Lea Schwartzman. Their guiding concept was developed to put a distinct focus on the various stages of the country’s musical evolution. Through their work, they have created an immersive space that fosters a deep appreciation for both the historical roots and the contemporary advancements within Paraguayan music. Their approach provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the national collection.
The layout and content have been carefully planned to guide visitors through this rich history in an intuitive manner. By placing artefacts from traditional and academic music side-by-side, Spatuzza and Schwartzman encourage a more profound understanding of their interconnectedness.
Events marking the reopening
The Bicentennial House Of Music reopening ceremony itself will feature a programme of special activities for attendees. Maestro Diego Sánchez Haase is scheduled to conduct a mediated tour of the new exhibition halls. As the director of the Bicentennial Houses and the National Congress Symphony Orchestra, Sánchez Haase will offer expert commentary, guiding the public through the contents of the new display and explaining the significance of the items showcased.
Following the guided tour, the acclaimed guitarist and musicologist Javier Acosta Giangreco will deliver a conference. His presentation is titled “Tras el sonido de Mangoré” (In Search of Mangoré’s Sound). The lecture will concentrate specifically on the historic guitars once owned by Agustín Pío Barrios, which are now a treasured part of the institution’s permanent collection.
A celebration of musical heritage
Among the most significant items featured in the renewed exhibition is a reproduction of the first-ever recording of the Paraguayan National Anthem. This particular artefact is widely considered a landmark of the country’s sound heritage. Its inclusion prominently underscores the museum’s unwavering commitment to preserving pivotal moments in the nation’s history.
The evening’s commemorative events will culminate in a special live musical performance. This demonstration will serve as a fitting tribute to the renowned Paraguayan composer, Mangoré, celebrating his vast influence and legacy. The musical homage is being presented with the dedicated support of the Guitarras del Corazón (Guitars of the Heart) initiative. This finale ensures the celebration concludes on a high note, honouring the very art form to which the museum is dedicated.
