“In ancient Peru, textiles reveal the economic, social, political, and religious development of each culture. Their importance lies not only in their use as garments, but goes far beyond. The dimensions of some fabrics suggest they were used as canvases to cover walls—as is the case with painted textiles—or as funerary shroud wrappings,” reads an open book in the museum. This textile history, dating back to around 8000 BCE, is exhaustively preserved and narrated at the Amano Pre-Columbian Textile Museum, whose collection has been declared a national heritage.
Faced with the spatial challenge of housing such a treasure, how should architecture respond? Should museums be iconic infrastructures within the city? What is the best way to arrange spaces for this museological vision?
One way to answer these questions is through the “expansion and renovation” project presented in this article. Many Peruvians are still unfamiliar with this museum, likely due to its low profile (much like anything that is genuinely majestic from within). Regardless, there was a clear need to restore a stronger presence, fitting the museum's significance to the country.
