The museum is located in the heart of the colonial quarter, and its walls retain the charm of the past. The complex consists of four buildings, built during the 17th and 18th centuries, and for this reason, the reconstruction project will be difficult to pass the State Historical Commission, says Enrique Norten. But the architect and his team are convinced that they have the right to propose their additions to the existing buildings, since they were partially rebuilt 50 years ago.
As a result of the reconstruction, the old parts of the complex will merge with the new ones, just like the collection of the museum itself, the art of pre-Columbian civilizations side by side with modern installations.
The reconstruction will last five years, and during this time the museum will continue its work. The architects plan to place new elements within the existing complex, without destroying, if possible, the historical structure of the building. Most of the add-ons will "hover" over older structures. So, a new roof garden will appear, glass pavilions with beautiful views of the city, based on the restructuring half a century ago, the complex will include a large auditorium and a cafe.
The interior of the new galleries will be supplemented with antique floor beams. Glittering white plaster walls will be covered with a layer of transparent silicone for better thermal insulation. The new maple flooring will coexist with glass and brushed steel in some rooms, and with the picturesque masonry of ancient walls in others. Most of the museum will provide wheelchair access.
The Amparo Museum used to be considered cutting-edge in the use of digital technologies for educational purposes, but today these methods are outdated, so the update should touch this area too. “We're going to use monitors, computers, video. All kinds of new media will be included [in the project],”said Norten.
E. P.
