In commemoration of International Museum Day celebrated on May 18 under the theme “The Future of Museums: In Communities in Constant Change”, the El Brujo Archaeological Complex opened its doors for a special day in which the spotlight was placed on the community and its living history.

Community dialogues: sharing stories at El Brujo

This event brought together the community of the Nazareno Annex, who participated in a guided visit to the archaeological site, the site museum and the archaeological collections storage facilities, followed by an open dialogue session. More than visitors, they became active participants in the history the museum seeks to share.

Image 1: Members of the Nazareno Annex community taking part in a dialogue session led by the CAEB team.

The purpose of this activity was to broaden the museum’s narrative by integrating community memories, thereby consolidating its role as a space for listening, learning, and participation, while also strengthening the ties between the community and its heritage.

Community Dialogues: Entrepreneurship and Art in Magdalena de Cao

In this second central activity, a space for conversation was created between local artisans, children from the communities who make up the artistic ensemble “Talentos de Cao”, and entrepreneurs from Magdalena de Cao. The goal was to foster community integration and raise awareness about the value of art, artisanal production and entrepreneurship as living expressions of local cultural legacy.

The dialogue provided an opportunity to highlight stories of work, identity and creativity, and to promote the recognition of cultural heritage as a driving force for sustainable development in the region.

Image 2. Artisans, entrepreneurs and community children sharing experiences with the team of the El Brujo Archaeological Complex.

Complementary activities

In addition to the dialogues, various participatory and educational activities were carried out, enriching the day’s program:

Micro-workshop: The Funerary Bundling Process of the Lady of Cao

An educational activity that allowed participants to learn about the complex funerary bundling process of the Lady of Cao through an introductory talk, a visit to the collection storage facilities, and the creation of a scaled replica of the funerary bundle.

Image 3: Children from the artistic ensemble “Talentos de Cao” participating in the micro-workshop.

Special guided tour: the evolution of museums in the digital age

A thematic tour that explored the changes museums are facing in the digital age, highlighting the role of technology in conservation, education and access to museographic content.

Image 4: Community members and visitors exploring the site museum during a guided tour.

Creative ceramics workshop: heritage with a contemporary style

An interactive space where participants designed personalized ceramic pieces with a contemporary approach, fostering creativity and cultural engagement among younger generations.

External Activities: El Brujo in Trujillo

Before the celebration at the archaeological complex, the “Talentos de Cao” ensemble brought the energy and talent of El Brujo to the Trujillo’s Main Square and the Museum of the National University of Trujillo, bringing heritage closer to the city and its inhabitants.

Image 5: “Talentos de Cao” ensemble at the Main Square of Trujillo.

Through this celebration, El Brujo reaffirms its commitment to its community, promoting dialogue, participation and the value of heritage as a bridge between past and present. In a world in constant change, El Brujo consolidates itself as a living space, open to listening, innovation and encounter.