Museums can be more than just venues for appreciating art and celebrating culture. In several Latin American countries, institutions have popped up in recent years that aim to keep the memories alive of past repression and persecution, as well as to serve as a point of reconciliation, education and a way to perhaps prevent future negative moments in Latin American history. The exhibits and stories here are likely to jerk a tear or two, but they are also fascinating opportunities to learn from the past and make the future better.
One of the highest-profile new openings is the Lugar de la Memoria, which opened in Lima, Peru this year. Here are several other must-see spots for travelers interested in Latin American history and reconciliation related to some of the region’s darkest times. Add these museums to your vacation or travel itinerary for a decidedly different take on each nation’s heritage.
1. Lugar de la Memoria
Lima, Peru
Set along the cliffs of Lima, the Lugar de la Memoria (Place of Memory) opened in 2014, dedicated to the victims of the armed conflict within Peru starting in 1980. The facility has a theater, auditorium, research study center and exhibition spaces.
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2. Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
Santiago, Chile
Chile experienced one of South America’s most intense periods of dictatorship in the 20th century under Pinochet, and the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (the Museum of Memory and Human Rights) commemorates the victims of human rights violations during that military regime, which lasted between 1973 and 1990. Inaugurated by President Michelle Bachelet in 2010, the modern facility was designed by Brazilian architect Marcos Figueroa.
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3. Espacio para la Memoria y para la Promoción y Defensa de los Derechos Humanos
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Thousands of Chileans were murdered or “disappeared” during that country’s dictatorship, but things were even worse in Argentina between 1976 and 1983. The Espacio para la Memoria y para la Promoción y Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (Space for Memory and the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights), set in the former Escuela de Mecánica de la Armada (an armed forces school), activities take place to preserve the memory of what happened and to promote human rights for future generations.
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4. Centro Cultural Museo de la Memoria (MUME)
Montevideo, Uruguay
The Centro Cultural Museo de la Memoria (Museum of Memory Cultural Center) promotes peace, human rights and the struggle for freedom, democracy and social justice, with exhibits and documents that recall the “state terrorism” and the struggle against dictatorship that took place in Uruguay between 1973 and 1985.
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5. Memorial da América Latina
São Paulo, Brazil
A cultural, political and leisure complex that opened in 1989, the Memorial da América Latina (Latin American Memorial) was designed by famed architect Oscar Niemeyer (Brazil‘s most famous architect), and is accented by a large concrete sculpture of a gigantic open hand with a map of Latin America painted in red, a symbol of past oppression and bloodshed for freedom.
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6. Museo Memoria y Tolerancia
Mexico City, Mexico
This Mexico museum addresses injustice in Mexican history but also takes a global focus, with exhibits and information about the devastating effects of intolerance. There is also a museum section for children — a collaboration between the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia (Memory and Tolerance Museum) and Plaza Sésamo — to promote understanding of diversity, teamwork, creativity, compromise and the environment.
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7. Centro de Memoria Paz y Reconciliación
Bogotá, Colombia
This museum focuses on the negative effects of armed conflict, political violence and social and political struggles for peace in Colombia. The Centro de Memoria Paz y Reconciliación (Center for Memory, Peace and Reconciliation) offers guided tours.