Spain will begin museum decolonization with the Museum of the Americas

The Spanish Ministry of Culture will put the museography of the Museums of the Americas and Anthropology , both in Madrid, out to tender to update content and "treat cultural diversity as an equal," which will allow progress toward decolonization and begin a modernization process that will bring them up to the most advanced cultural standards.

This was stated by the Spanish Secretary of State for Culture, Jordi Marti, in an appearance before the Culture Committee of Congress, the lower house of the Spanish Parliament, where he reported that experts "have already spoken" and have said that it is necessary to "update exhibitions and content, without fear, with a decolonial perspective" and focusing on diversity .

While Martí has ​​not given a date for this museum update, he did state that this renewed exhibition of funds will be done "soon."

The ministry had already committed to conducting a review of state museums to overcome the colonial framework , making visible and recognizing the perspective of the communities and the memory of the peoples from whom the exhibits originate, in line with other museums in Europe and the United States.

With this decision, Culture joins ICOM's (International Council of Museums) commitment to the decolonization of museums, which reflects a movement within the museum sector to address historical injustices and promote inclusivity.

The Museum of America includes among its collections the treasure known as the Quimbaya , which was claimed by Colombia after it was handed over in 1893 by the then Colombian president Carlos Holguín to Queen María Cristina of Spain.

This museum also recently received pieces such as the Trujillo Codex , dating from the Spanish colonial era in present-day Peru, after it was acquired by Spain at an auction attended by the Lima Art Museum.