Instituto de Historia y Museo Militar

Museum

Flags, weapons and uniforms from the War of the Triple Alliance and the Chaco War, with free admission.

in Asunción

1 hourDuration

What it is

The Military History Institute and Museum is housed at the Ministry of National Defence and gathers weapons, flags, uniforms, projectiles, documents and objects from Paraguay's two big international wars: the War of the Triple Alliance and the Chaco War. Admission is free and guided visits are offered for schools and groups. Among its rooms, the Flag Room holds Paraguayan war flags, many of them burnt or damaged; there are also the Marshal Francisco Solano López Room and the Marshal Estigarribia Room, and a gallery of portraits of the country's presidents and defence ministers. Temporary exhibitions on military subjects are put on often.

What to see and do

The Flag Room, with original war flags
The Marshal Francisco Solano López Room
The Marshal Estigarribia Room
The gallery of presidents and defence ministers

Did you know…?

The Paraguayan flags from the War of the Triple Alliance on display were returned by the Argentine government in 1954.

History

It traces back to decree 17,730 of 16 October 1939. In 1942 the Military Historical Museum was created, and in 1958 it became a directorate of the Ministry of National Defence. On 17 May 1960 it took its current name, adding research and teaching functions.

Tips

It works inside a ministry compound: bring your ID in case it is requested at the entrance.
Contact them beforehand if you travel in a group, since guided visits are arranged in advance.

Check opening hours before you go. Free admission according to Wikipedia.

Best time: Weekday mornings.

Activities

Museums Guided tour History & missions Living culture

Festivals and events here

Apr

International Jazz Day in Asunción

Jazz concerts at cultural centers and stages around the capital to celebrate the genre’s world day.

MusicAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)May→ Jun

Asunción International Book Fair (FIL)

Ten days of books, authors and language: the country’s great literary festival, with free entry and a guest country.

CulturalAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)Featured May

Independence Days (May 14 and 15)

Two public holidays for the 1811 independence: flags, ceremonies, sopa paraguaya and chipa guasu all over the country.

CulturalAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)Aug

August 1: National Carrulim Day

On the first day of August people drink carrulim—cane liquor, rue and lemon—to ward off the ills of the most dreaded month.

TraditionAsunción y todo el país, Varios Aug

August 15: Founding of Asunción and Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption

The birthday of the Mother of Cities coincides with the feast of its patron saint: Mass at the Cathedral, a public holiday and cultural events.

ReligiousAsunción, Asunción (Distrito Capital)Featured