National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico Wins Prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Concord
The National Museum of Anthropology (MNA) in Mexico has been honored with the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Concord this Wednesday, a recognition that underscores its vital role in reflecting and preserving the indigenous heritage of Mexico. According to a statement from the Princess of Asturias Foundation, the MNA has established itself as a critical institution in Latin America and a global reference in the field of anthropology and cultural heritage dissemination.
Founded in 1940, the National Museum of Anthropology is dedicated to the research, conservation, and exhibition of Mexico's most significant archaeological and ethnographic collections. Its current home, located in the historic Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, was inaugurated on September 17, 1964, and features twenty-two exhibition halls spanning over 45,000 square meters, making it the largest museum facility in the country.
The museum's vast collection showcases the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped Mexican history, paying tribute to the indigenous peoples of modern-day Mexico by preserving their expressions, knowledge, and traditions. Among the standout pieces housed within the museum are the Sun Stone, an emblematic monolith of pre-Hispanic heritage exceeding 3.5 meters in diameter, the colossal Olmec heads, and the Atlantean of Tula, a celebrated Toltec sculpture, alongside the Bat God Mask from the Zapotec culture.
The Princess of Asturias Award for Concord is a significant accolade that the MNA receives, replacing the previous laureate, the renowned international photography agency Magnum Photos, known for its exceptional contributions to photojournalism over the past eight decades. The award not only includes a sculpture by Joan Miró, a diploma, an insignia, but also a monetary prize of fifty thousand euros.
As the museum moves forward with this honor, it remains committed to its mission to research and showcase the cultural heritage of Mexico, reinforcing its importance as a center of knowledge and reflection on the diverse historical narratives that define the nation.
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