Paraguay’s cultural heritage comes alive during Holy Week, offering visitors and residents a unique opportunity to explore the country’s traditions. Another way to discover this legacy is through the National Museums in Paraguay, which preserve and showcase key moments of the nation’s history. From colonial houses where independence was planned to open-air military sites, these spaces provide meaningful Holy Week getaways that combine education with tradition.
Museums in Asunción:
1. Museo Casa de la Independencia (House of Independence Museum)
Address: 14 de Mayo and Presidente Franco, Asunción
This historic house is one of Paraguay’s most significant landmarks, as it served as the secret meeting place where plans for independence from Spain were made in 1811. The museum preserves colonial-era rooms, furniture, and key documents linked to the independence movement.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 1 April: 07:30–16:30
- Thursday 2 April: 09:00–15:00
- Friday 3 April: Closed
- Saturday 4 April: 08:00–16:00
- Sunday 5 April: Closed
Normal hours resume:
- From Monday 6 April: 07:30–16:30
2. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)
Address: Eligio Ayala 1345, Asunción
Founded in the early 20th century, this museum houses an extensive collection of Paraguayan and European art, including paintings, sculptures, and historical pieces. It provides a broad overview of artistic development in Paraguay.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 1 April: 10:00–16:00
- Thursday 2 April: 09:00–15:00
- Friday 3 April: Closed
- Saturday 4 April: 13:00–19:00
- Sunday 5 April: Closed
- Monday 6 April: Closed
Normal hours resume:
- From Tuesday 7 April: 10:00–16:00
3. General Bernardino Caballero Museum
Address: Parque Caballero, Asunción
Dedicated to General Bernardino Caballero, a key political and military figure in Paraguayan history, this museum explores his life and the post-war reconstruction period following the War of the Triple Alliance.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 1 April: 08:00–14:00
- Thursday 2 April: 09:00–15:00
- Friday 3 April: Closed
- Saturday 4 April: 09:00–16:00
- Sunday 5 April: Closed
- Monday 6 April: Closed
Normal hours resume:
- From Tuesday 7 April: 10:00–16:00
National Museums In Paraguay: Museums beyond Asunción
4. Dr. Francia Museum
Location: Yaguarón, Paraguarí Department (approx. 48 km from Asunción)
This museum is associated with José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, Paraguay’s first ruler after independence. It offers insight into his life and the early republican period, set within a historically significant site.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 1 April: 08:00–16:00
- Thursday 2 April: 09:00–15:00
- Friday 3 April: Closed
- Saturday 4 April: 08:00–16:00
- Sunday 5 April: 08:00–16:00
- Monday 6 April: Closed
- Tuesday 7 April: Closed
Normal hours resume:
- From Wednesday 8 April: 08:00–16:00
5. Cabildo Pilar Museum
Location: Pilar, Ñeembucú Department (approx. 250 km from Asunción)
Housed in a historic cabildo building, this museum reflects the cultural and political history of southern Paraguay. It highlights regional identity, historical documents, and local heritage.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 1 April: 08:00–17:00
- Thursday 2 April: 09:00–15:00
- Friday 3 April: Closed
- Saturday 4 April: 08:00–17:00
- Sunday 5 April: 09:00–13:00
- Monday 6 April: Closed
- Tuesday 7 April: Closed
Normal hours resume:
- From Wednesday 8 April: 08:00–17:00
6. Campamento Cerro León Museum
Location: Pirayú, Paraguarí Department (approx. 50 km from Asunción)
This open-air historical site preserves the remains of a military camp used during the War of the Triple Alliance. Visitors can explore reconstructed structures and learn about one of Paraguay’s most defining historical conflicts.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 1 April: 08:00–16:00
- Thursday 2 April: 09:00–15:00
- Friday 3 April: Closed
- Saturday 4 April: 08:00–16:00
- Sunday 5 April: 08:00–16:00
- Monday 6 April: Closed
- Tuesday 7 April: Closed
Normal hours resume:
- From Wednesday 8 April: 08:00–16:00
7. Casa Oratorio Cabañas Museum
Location: Caapucú, Paraguarí Department (approx. 140 km from Asunción)
This museum centres on the historic oratory associated with the Cabañas family and religious life in colonial Paraguay. It combines architectural heritage with insights into local traditions and spirituality.
Opening hours:
- Wednesday 1 April: 08:00–16:00
- Thursday 2 April: 09:00–15:00
- Friday 3 April: Closed
- Saturday 4 April: 08:00–16:00
- Sunday 5 April: 08:00–16:00
- Monday 6 April: Closed
- Tuesday 7 April: Closed
Normal hours resume:
- From Wednesday 8 April: 08:00–16:00
Something different to do during Holy Week
Whether in Asunción or beyond, the National Museums in Paraguay offer meaningful getaways during Holy Week that blend history, art, and national identity. Moreover, their varied locations make it easy to plan both short visits and longer cultural excursions across Paraguay.
