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[Asunción, September 26] — A unique cultural opportunity is opening for international travelers in the Paraguayan capital, as a free, English-language guided tour is set to take place inside the historic Manzana de la Rivera. Starting at 15:00 on September 26, artist Verónica Melgarejo will personally lead visitors through her exhibition, “El Jardín de Beatriz,” providing a direct bridge between the creator and a global audience.
The event is designed to make contemporary Paraguayan creativity accessible to non-Spanish speakers, offering an immersive look at the intersection of nature and memory through various artistic mediums. Because admission is free, the tour serves as a low-barrier entry point for tourists to engage with the city's sophisticated art scene.
Direct Artist Engagement for International Visitors
The guided visit scheduled for 26 September is distinguished by the presence of Verónica Melgarejo herself. Rather than relying on a third-party guide or static placards, attendees will hear the artist explain the specific techniques, conceptual frameworks, and personal memories that informed each piece.
The decision to conduct the entire tour in English is a strategic move to accommodate the growing number of international travelers visiting Asunción. By eliminating the language gap, the event allows for a deeper intellectual and emotional connection with the artwork, ensuring that the nuances of the exhibition are not lost in translation.
There are no ticket costs or paid upgrades associated with this event; the guided experience is entirely complimentary for all attendees.
Nature and Memory in "El Jardín de Beatriz"
This exhibition marks the first individual showcase for Verónica Melgarejo. The collection is a multidisciplinary effort, blending traditional painting with installation art and intricate works created on silk.
The thematic core of “El Jardín de Beatriz” revolves around the relationship between the human mind and the environment. Melgarejo explores the concept of remembered gardens, analyzing how urban spaces and natural landscapes are stored in memory and how those recollections shape one's perception of place.
Having the artist present to narrate these themes transforms the exhibition from a passive viewing experience into an active dialogue. Visitors can learn how personal history translates into visual form, specifically how the artist utilizes silk and installation to evoke the feeling of a remembered landscape.
Exhibition Timeline and Accessibility
The broader exhibition, “El Jardín de Beatriz,” first opened its doors to the public on 11 September 2026 at 19:30. While the special English-language tour is a one-day event on 26 September, the artwork will remain on display throughout October.
Although a specific closing date has not been publicized, the exhibition remains free to the public. This means that those unable to attend the guided tour on the 26th can still visit the works independently, provided they adhere to the cultural center's standard operating hours.
Multidisciplinary Background of Verónica Melgarejo
The ability to lead a professional tour in English stems from Melgarejo’s diverse academic and professional history. Beyond her identity as a visual artist and painter, she is a certified Public Translator of English and an English teacher.
Her artistic training is equally eclectic, spanning several creative disciplines including:
- Piano and Dance
- Acting and Writing
- Watercolor and Silk Painting
- Creative Arts
Melgarejo’s formal education in the arts was completed through the Visual Arts programme at ISA FADA/UNA, and she maintains a professional association with Taller Crearte at Club Centenario. Additionally, her background in psychology provides a theoretical foundation for the themes of memory and perception explored in her current exhibition.
Exploring the Historic Manzana de la Rivera
The tour is hosted at the Centro Cultural de la Ciudad Carlos Colombino, more commonly known as Manzana de la Rivera. Located at Ayolas 129, near Benjamín Constant in central Asunción, this complex is a cornerstone of the city's cultural heritage.
The venue is not merely a gallery but a multidisciplinary hub that integrates education, history, and reading. Because it frequently hosts both national and international events, the site itself provides significant architectural and historical context that complements the contemporary art on display.
Architectural Heritage of the Cultural Complex
The heart of Manzana de la Rivera consists of nine meticulously restored historic residences, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These structures offer a glimpse into the colonial and post-colonial architectural evolution of Asunción.
Notable houses within the complex include:
- Casa Viola: Home to the Museo Memoria de la Ciudad.
- Casa Vertúa: Housing the Augusto Roa Bastos Municipal Library.
- Casa Clari-Mestre
- Casa Castelví
The complex was officially inaugurated as a cultural center in 1996, allowing modern visitors to experience "El Jardín de Beatriz" while surrounded by the physical history of the city.
Integrated Cultural Attractions in Central Asunción
For travelers planning their itinerary, the Manzana de la Rivera offers a concentrated dose of Paraguayan culture. Beyond the current art exhibition, the complex houses several other key institutions:
| Institution | Focus/Specialization |
|---|---|
| Museo Memoria de la Ciudad | City History and Memory |
| Museo Municipal del Arpa Paraguaya | Traditional Paraguayan Harp |
| Museo Municipal José Asunción Flores | Music and Composition |
| Audiovisual and Photographic Archive | National Visual Records |
| Municipal Libraries | Research and Literature |
This concentration of museums and archives allows visitors to pair the 15:00 art tour with visits to the harp museum or the city memory archives, creating a comprehensive cultural afternoon in one location.
Essential Visitor Information
Travelers intending to attend the event should note the following logistics:
- Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Time: 15:00
- Location: Espacio Miguel Acevedo, Manzana de la Rivera
- Cost: Free
- Language: English
It is important to note that official communications have not specified a maximum capacity for the tour, the exact duration of the walk-through, or the availability of dedicated tourist shuttles. Visitors are encouraged to monitor municipal updates for any last-minute scheduling changes.
Why This Matters: The Traveler's Perspective
For the international tourist, this event represents more than just a free gallery visit; it is a solution to the "cultural isolation" often felt when visiting non-English speaking destinations. Usually, deep engagement with local art requires hiring a private translator or relying on limited English signage.
By providing a tour led by an artist who is also a professional translator, the event creates a rare "information gain" opportunity. Travelers get an insider's view of Paraguayan society—specifically how the city views its own memory and nature—without the friction of a language barrier. From a logistical standpoint, the location in central Asunción makes this an efficient addition to any city tour, combining contemporary art, 18th-century architecture, and national history into a single, cost-free experience.
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