Regional Museum of Guanajuato, Alhóndiga de Granaditas

Permanent exhibits include 14 rooms: Sala Sellos prehispánicos. Contains one of the country's most complete holdings; the collection of prehispanic seals was donated to the museum in 1976 by archaeologist Frederick Field. The seals are made of clay and stone and depict plants, flowers, animals, human forms, mythical beings, and a wide variety of geometric shapes. Sala Arte mesoamericano. Contains a large collection of archaeological objects from various cultures and representations of the prehispanic gods: Tláloc, Quetzalcóatl, Huehuetéotl, among others. The collection was donated by José Chávez Morado and Olga Costa, prominent Guanajuato painters. Sala Chupícuaro. Chupícuaro is a culture that developed between 600 BC and 250 AD. The subsistence activities of its inhabitants centered on agriculture, hunting, fishing and gathering wild fruits. The ceramic collection housed in this room reveals the great cultural development of the inhabitants of Chupícuaro. The shapes of the ceramics are characterized by their great diversity: bowls, tecomates, jars, tripod plates, patojos, cántaros, vasijas, among others. Sala Colonización española. This room alludes to the settlement proposal of the Bajío and surrounding areas, where the first Spanish advance into the central-north region of the Chichimeca territory, the current state of Guanajuato. Upon entering, one notices a map marking the Camino Real Tierra Adentro route and a display case with related objects, emphasizing processes related to mining labor. The importance of religiosity in daily life during the colonial period is evident in a series of religious paintings and sculptures, and in a display case with liturgical objects and a small oil on panel of San Ignacio de Loyola, in addition to the image and a bust of the Virgen de Guanajuato, patroness of the city. Sala Reformas borbónicas. This room narrates events provoked by the dynastic change and how the crown was administered. On entering, we see two figures wearing outfits similar to those used by Spaniards and wealthy creoles. In the center of the room one can see the city’s title issued by King Felipe V on December 8, 1741, as well as the coat of arms and city plans, which after the promulgation of the Ordenanzas de Intendentes in 1787 would make Guanajuato the capital of the Guanajuato Intendancy. Sala Alhóndiga de Granaditas. This room covers the history of the building and shows the function of these institutions that controlled the distribution of maize and wheat entering the cities. Notable objects related to the grain trade: scales, weights and measures, as well as agricultural products similar to those sold in these depots. In addition, replicas of documents related to the construction of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, floor plans and interior views highlighting its large courtyard. Sala Guerra de Independencia siglo XIX. The map in the room reveals Hidalgo's route and troop movements across the Guanajuato intendancy; two oil paintings appear in the room, one depicting Hidalgo with a lean face and fine features, the other an anonymous depiction of La Guadalupana, protector of the movement and symbol of Creole and Mestizo identity. A faithful reproduction of the banner taken by the priest from the Dolores sanctuary on his way to the Villa de San Miguel is presented, and farming implements are shown as weapons used by agricultural workers; slings, river stones, mercury containers, torches, pitch and chunks of quarry used by miners. Sala Línea del Tiempo Las Cuatro Etapas del a Guerra de Independencia. Illustrates the stages of the War of Independence, depicting events from September 16, 1810 to its consummation in 1821. In the first stage it details the beginning of the struggle until the deaths of Hidalgo, Allende and Aldama, then Morelos’ southward campaign and his execution. The third stage describes smaller battles across the territory. The last stage begins with the alliance between Vicente Guerrero and Agustín Iturbide and ends with the signing of the Acta de Independencia on September 28, 1821. Sala México Independiente siglo XIX. This room covers different historical periods of Mexico in the 19th century. At the start, a space alluding to the First Empire features an oil painting of Agustín de Iturbide and a reproduction of the Trigarante flag. Next, portraits of Guanajuato natives Lucas Alamán and José María Luis Mora stand out, whose ideas contributed to the Mexican republican model. The period ends with the portrait of Antonio López de Santa Anna; a series of charcoal portraits represents a remarkable generation of liberal politicians. Manuel Doblado appears in this room, reflecting the strength and importance of Guanajuato’s ruler. The Liberal and Reform War is highlighted with Ramón Casas’ painting Guillermo Prieto and Benito Juárez, illustrating Prieto’s eloquence in saving Juárez, the constitutional president, from a coup supported by conservatives. The final area corresponds to the Second Empire; it begins with a bronze bust of the emperor by Felipe Sojo, continues with an oil on canvas of the Coat of Arms of the Second Empire and ends with illustrations of the imperial couple Maximilian and Carlota Amalia of Habsburg. Sala Exvotos. The exvotos in this room express gratitude to the following deities: Señor de los Trabajos, Santo Niño de Atocha, San Francisco de Paula, Señor del Veneno, Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco, Virgen de Silao, Señor de los Milagros, San Cayetano, Virgen de San Juan, Señor de Villaseca, Cristo Negro de Esquipulas, Niño Jesús, Espíritu Santo, Virgen Dolosa, María Santísima, Señora de la Cueva, Señor de la Columna, Santos Mártires, Señora de la Purísima Concepción and Virgen de Guadalupe. The altars in this room date to the 19th and 20th centuries; the oldest ex-voto dates from 1838 and the most recent from 1952. Ex voto in Latin means by vow, i.e., a promise, as an object offered to fulfill a commitment in which the miracle and faith have played their part. Ex votos are images in which the painter depicts, at the beneficiary’s request, the miracle that has occurred. The scene materializes the event for remembrance whenever necessary. Sala Liberalismo y Porfiriato siglo XIX y XX. The room features splendid photographs by Romualdo García, his wife and children, as well as a series of images showing various scenes of social diversification of the era and the city in the early 20th century. Notable objects and images related to the economic expansion of the period in Guanajuato are on display; in the back boards and display case there are instruments used in scientific research and fine zoological works by Alfredo Dugès. Sala Hermenegildo Bustos. Hermenegildo Bustos’ work represents a major contribution to 19th-century Mexican painting; he is regarded as an outstanding portraitist and naturalist. His portraits range from small to large formats; oil on canvas, oil on board and pencil on paper are among the techniques featured in the permanent collection. Sala Artes y Costumbres de Guanajuato. Displays the cultural expressions of Guanajuato’s artisans, including textiles, ceramics, traditional charrería items, ironwork, tinwork, pottery, confections, stone-cutting and traditional toys, among others. Sala Recinto de los Héroes. Space to pay homage to the heroes of independence: Hidalgo, Allende, Aldama and Jiménez. A votive lamp located at the center of the building guards the flame of independence, renewed each 28th of the month via a civic ceremony.