Museum of the Word and Image | San Salvador

Museum of the Word and Image (MUPI) – San Salvador, El Salvador

The Museum of the Word and Image (MUPI) is one of El Salvador’s most significant cultural and historical institutions, dedicated to preserving the country’s collective memory, oral history, and social struggles. Located in San Salvador, MUPI focuses on documenting the nation’s history, particularly the Salvadoran Civil War (1980–1992), human rights, indigenous heritage, and social movements.

Unlike traditional museums that primarily showcase physical artifacts, MUPI places great emphasis on testimonies, audiovisual records, photographs, literature, and personal narratives, making it a unique space for historical reflection and cultural education.

History and Establishment

MUPI was founded in 1996 by Carlos Henríquez Consalvi, also known as "Santiago", a journalist who was active in Radio Venceremos, a revolutionary radio station that operated during the Salvadoran Civil War. The museum emerged from efforts to recover and preserve historical records that were in danger of being lost or destroyed.

Since its creation, MUPI has worked to document social struggles, educate new generations, and give a voice to those often excluded from mainstream historical narratives.

Exhibits and Collections

MUPI’s exhibitions focus on key historical, cultural, and social themes in Salvadoran history.

1. The Salvadoran Civil War (1980–1992)

• Photographs, documents, and testimonies from the civil war.
• Oral histories from survivors, journalists, and former combatants.
• Radio Venceremos recordings, which broadcast revolutionary messages during the war.
• Personal items from guerrilla fighters and war correspondents.

2. Monseñor Óscar Romero and Human Rights

• MUPI showcases artifacts, writings, and speeches from Óscar Romero, the archbishop of San Salvador who was assassinated in 1980 for speaking out against government oppression.
• Exhibits on human rights violations and the impact of war on civilians.

3. Indigenous Heritage and Cultural Identity

• Displays on the 1932 Indigenous Massacre (La Matanza), where thousands of indigenous people were killed under the military dictatorship of Maximiliano Hernández Martínez.
• Artifacts, photographs, and oral histories from Salvadoran indigenous communities.
• Exhibitions on indigenous languages, traditions, and resistance.

4. Literature, Arts, and Social Movements

• Original manuscripts, posters, and photographs of Salvadoran writers, poets, and artists.
• Documentaries and multimedia projects that showcase El Salvador’s artistic and intellectual history.
• Exhibitions on feminist movements, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental activism.

Educational Programs and Community Outreach

MUPI is not just a museum—it is a space for learning and activism. It offers:

• Workshops and lectures on history, human rights, and cultural heritage.
• Oral history projects to collect testimonies from survivors of war and social conflicts.
• Mobile exhibitions that travel to schools and communities, making history more accessible.
• Film screenings and discussions on political and social issues.

These initiatives help educate younger generations and ensure that El Salvador’s history is not forgotten.

Cultural and Social Impact

MUPI plays a crucial role in preserving historical truth and promoting critical thinking.

• It serves as a repository of suppressed and forgotten histories, giving a voice to marginalized communities.
• It has helped document war crimes and human rights violations, contributing to historical justice efforts.
• It provides a space for dialogue and reconciliation, allowing people to reflect on the past and its impact on the present.

For many Salvadorans, MUPI is more than a museum—it is a place of memory, resistance, and healing.

Location and Accessibility

MUPI is located in San Salvador’s cultural district, near other significant institutions like the Museum of Art of El Salvador (MARTE) and the National Museum of Anthropology (MUNA).

• The museum is open to the public year-round.
• It offers guided tours in Spanish and English.
• Visitors can explore the museum’s bookstore, which sells historical books, documentaries, and educational materials.

Conclusion

The Museum of the Word and Image (MUPI) is one of the most powerful and essential cultural institutions in El Salvador. Through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, MUPI helps preserve the country’s historical memory, promote human rights, and inspire future generations.

For anyone interested in El Salvador’s history, social struggles, and cultural identity, MUPI offers a deep and thought-provoking experience unlike any other museum in the country.