The Paraguay Science Museum (MuCi) is a finalist in three categories for the inaugural ICOM COMMS Awards 2026. Science Museum MuCi Nominated among the finalists, the Paraguayan institution is being recognised for projects that demonstrate innovation, creativity, and strategic excellence in museum communications. The international awards are run by the International Committee for Communications, Marketing and Audience Engagement of the International Council of Museums. A jury and the public will determine the winners.
The Paraguayan projects named as finalists are “Viscosos pero Sabrosos” (Slimy but Tasty) in the Best with Less category, “Laboratorio de Chipa” (Chipa Laboratory) for Best Press Office Campaign, and “Ciencia para Todos” (Science for All) in the Best Marketing Campaign category.
Science Museum MuCi nominated: A global stage
MuCi shares the nominations with esteemed museums and cultural organisations from 12 countries. These include Finland, Brazil, Germany, Egypt, Mexico, Chile, the United States, Indonesia, India, Croatia, Poland, and Ukraine. Amos Rex is from Finland, while the Museu do Ipiranga is from Brazil. The Ocean Museum Germany and the European Hansemuseum are both from Germany. The Alexandria National Museum is from Egypt, and the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli is from Mexico. The National Constitution Center is from the United States.
Paola Martínez, the executive director of MuCi, expressed her delight at the nominations. These awards represent the vanguard of museum communication in the world. For MuCi, sharing the stage with such eminent organisations in all three categories is an absolute privilege and a joy.
Innovative project details
“Viscosos pero Sabrosos” was an experience focused on insects and their connection to gastronomy. The initiative aimed to transform a topic that often causes aversion into an opportunity to spark curiosity, dialogue, and an appreciation for cultural practices related to insect consumption. The project team developed the project without an additional budget and sold out both editions.
Meanwhile, “Laboratorio de Chipa” brought science to one of the country’s most iconic culinary traditions: the preparation of chipa (a traditional cheese bread) during Paraguayan Holy Week. The project turned an everyday practice into an occasion for scientific dissemination and public engagement. The press strategy for this campaign resulted in 88 publications in media outlets, generating an estimated value of US$49,300 in organic publicity without any editorial investment.
Reaching a wide audience
The third project, Ciencia para Todos, developed a comprehensive 360-degree campaign around the idea that science is part of daily life and accessible to everyone. Through various formats and channels, the initiative presented relatable experiences to the public, positioning curiosity as the gateway to knowledge. This campaign successfully reached over 1.5 million people with an investment of US$3,900 in paid media.
“It is also a confirmation that the meticulous, dedicated, strategic, and excellent work we strive to do daily places our nation in a global showcase where it has never been before. We are extremely honoured,” added Martínez.
International recognition
ICOM COMMS organises the ICOM COMMS Awards 2026 in partnership with ICOMON and ICOM Finland. This first edition brings together communication initiatives from museums and cultural institutions across the globe. The winners will be determined by a combination of a jury’s evaluation and a public vote.
The organisers will announce the winners in December 2026 at the Heureka Science Centre in Vantaa, Finland. With three projects among the finalists, MuCi has successfully placed experiences developed in Paraguay on a leading international stage for cultural communication.
For visitors, the 2026 September programme welcomes spring with science and nature activities ranging from butterfly and fungi workshops to flying saucer-building sessions and planetarium experiences.
