This article was made by our partner MUPAPY: Voices of Museums and Cultural Heritage. This week, the text is about the House of Victory. Click here for the last one about the Hrisuk Museum.
In the heart of Encarnación, in the intersection of the General Artigas and Cerro Corá streets, sits the House of Victory; originally conceived as a shelter and help center for the veterans, the place evolved to become a museum that protects and pays homage to the sacrifice of those men who defended Paraguayan sovereignty during the Chaco War (1932-1935), leaving an indelible mark in the country’s history.
The House of Victory was born out of the necessity to offer a dignified space to the soldiers who came back from the battle’s frontlines; these citizens, marked by injuries and economic difficulties, struggled greatly to access medical services and to process their pensions after the war, so Encarnación’s municipality decided to donate a strategic plot of land to build a refuge exclusively for them. Of course, this project would not have been possible without the local community’s efforts, who joined forces to collect materials, provide manpower and ensure the construction’s success.
History Of The House Of Victory
Since its opening, this center became a multifunctional space that offered essential services. Specialised doctors went regularly to offer consultation, which turned the House of Victory into a bastion of comprehensive care. In addition, the facility also served as a meeting place where the old soldiers could reunite, share memories and strengthen the brotherhood bonds that had been forged in the trenches.
As the years went by, though, the amount of veterans dwindled and the flow of visitors declined considerably, so those responsible for the site looked for new ways to preserve their legacy. The House of Victory’s function began to change, and it was decided it would turn into a museum that would share the history of the Chaco War.
Picture Source: MUPA
The Offering
Veterans families, military institutions and private collectors donated unique pieces that today make up the collection, which is organised in various thematic sectors and combines elements from different historical periods. This allows visitors to appreciate Paraguay’s cultural and military evolution through the passage of time. And, among the most interesting items, there are uniforms, documents and accessories that illustrate the soldiers’ daily lives.
It is important to add that, apart from the exhibition rooms, the museum also has a library that complements the guests’ experience. Although sparsely used by local students, the books specialised in both armed conflicts the country had to deal with, the room is known to lure in investigators and foreign visitors.
Officially, the museum was inaugurated on June 12th, 2003, coinciding with the anniversary of the signing of the Peace Protocol that put an end to the military conflict. The name, carefully chosen, symbolises not only the military victory, but also the resilience and collective sacrifice of the Paraguayan people.
Picture Source: MUPA
House of Victory Opening Hours
The House of Victory is open Mondays to Fridays, from 7am to 11am and 2pm to 5pm. You can visit the website and social media pages if you want to get to know the place a little bit better, and the access is completely free.
Monday: 7 AM to 11 AM, and 2 PM to 5 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM to 11 AM, and 2 PM to 5 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM to 11 AM, and 2 PM to 5 PM
Thursday: 7 AM to 11 AM, and 2 PM to 5 PM
Friday: 7 AM to 11 AM, and 2 PM to 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
