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"ESTRECHO DE MAGALLANES": An Exhibition Exploring Indigenous Cultures, Patagonian History, and Contemporary Art

Commemorating 500 years of circumnavigation, this exhibit reflects on the Strait of Magellan's cultural and ecological legacy.

The "ESTRECHO DE MAGALLANES" exhibition offers a unique perspective on the Strait of Magellan. Visitors can delve into the rich heritage of Kawésqar, Yagán, Selk'nam, and Tehuelche indigenous peoples, seeing artifacts alongside thought-provoking works by modern artists. This special presentation also considers ecological and anthropological challenges facing this significant territory.

About ESTRECHO DE MAGALLANES at National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid

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Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores the Strait of Magellan and the cultural and social landscape of the planet in the 21st century, marking 500 years since the first circumnavigation of the Earth. It features objects from the Kawésqar, Yagán, Selk'nam, and Tehuelche indigenous cultures, alongside works by contemporary artists offering diverse perspectives on the region.

Curatorial context

Marking the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the Earth (1519-1522), 'ESTRECHO DE MAGALLANES', also known as 'La frontera de agua', reflects on the planet's current cultural and social panorama. The exhibition takes visitors to the Strait of Magellan, focusing on the indigenous peoples of this extreme region, including the Kawésqar, Yagán, Selk'nam, and Tehuelche cultures. It presents artifacts from the National Museum of Anthropology's collection, complemented by works from contemporary artists who offer varied interpretations of the Strait. The exhibition begins by referencing Magellan's expedition in October-November 1520, the moment they successfully navigated the strait. It then shifts to the present, examining the legacy of these indigenous peoples and the values associated with their knowledge of the environment. The aim is to consider the ecological and anthropological challenges facing this territory, prompting reflection on how we might better manage its future. The exhibition was organized by the Vértices platform and the National Museum of Anthropology, with significant participation from the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Regional Government of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, and the Cultural Centre of Spain in Santiago.

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition is described as being held in the temporary exhibition halls. Further ticketing details are not provided on this page, but a link to the exhibition catalog is available.

ESTRECHO DE MAGALLANES key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for ESTRECHO DE MAGALLANES at National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid

Venue
National Museum of Anthropology
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
Features objects from the Kawésqar, Yagán, Selk'nam, and Tehuelche indigenous cultures, alongside works by contemporary artists.
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