MUSEO COSTUMBRISTA JUAN DE VARGAS

This museum, named after Juan de Vargas in honor of the first mayor of the city, was inaugurated in 1979 in order to highlight the history and traditions of La Paz. The city of La Paz is honored here, with the important moments of its history, with the characters, great or small, past or present, who played a determining role in it, with its traditions and costumes. At the entrance, a beautiful painting on fabric by Carmen Albares in homage to the carnival of La Paz attracts the visitor's attention. Then, a good reading of the city's past is offered by the 2,500 clay miniatures, by sculptor Walter Pinto Gironda, which represent scenes of the daily life of La Paz, including the ceremony of its foundation. In the background, we can see the house of the cacique known as Quirquincha where the founders were received. Other scenes represent Pedro Domingo Murillo, before his death by hanging, or the execution of Tupak Katari by quartering. More humble characters are also present, such as this "log" responsible for illuminating the streets of the city. We can also admire an Inca costume of a chasqui, who was in charge of carrying the messages of the king, crossing great distances with speed and without rest. On the walls, old photos of La Paz show us how much the city has changed, it was so beautiful, La Paz in the past! The museum also has some paintings of the old tramway.