As part of the national and international event “Long Night of Museums,” the Altos de Chavón Regional Archaeological Museum opened its doors on Saturday night, May 17th, to offer the public an unforgettable cultural experience under the theme “Under the Stars.”.
The activity marked the first day open to the public under the new museum management, headed by Ms. Luciana Goldfain, manager of Altos de Chavón and director of the Archaeological Museum, who welcomed visitors, expressing her enthusiasm for this renewed phase. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the relevance of this event as part of a movement that celebrates heritage and history from multiple cultural spaces in the country.
The evening began with a guided nocturnal tour led by the museum's guide, Mr. Diógenes Alcalá, who led the public on a journey set to the ancestral sounds of maracas, *fotutos*, and Taino ritual chants, creating an immersive atmosphere that transported attendees to pre-Columbian times.
The moment most anticipated by visitors was the clay workshop, led by local artisans Damar Castaños and José Tiburcio. Participants had the opportunity to mold their own pieces inspired by Taíno art, while admiring the recently renovated museum garden. Simultaneously, the little ones enjoyed a space specially designed for them: a Taíno stamp workshop and a miniature archaeological exploration zone, equipped with helmets, shovels, and magnifying glasses, guided by services representative Emily Ávila.
The experience continued in the museum's Taíno hall, set with the sounds of nocturnal animals such as owls, bats, fireflies, and crickets, which complemented the narrative about the nocturnal life of the indigenous Taínos. Visitors could explore replicas of bohíos (huts), observe traditional hammocks, and learn about rituals like the areíto, in a sensory experience that connected history, nature, and culture.
Additionally, during the activity, the museum's new gift shop was enabled in pop-up mode, which will be permanently open starting next month. It will also feature an audio guide before the end of the year. In the shop, visitors could purchase replicas of Taíno artifacts, magnets, postcards, and other souvenirs celebrating the museum's cultural richness.
The evening closed with joy, amidst owl photographs, children's laughter, and the creativity of adults who molded their art in clay, leaving an unforgettable impression of this magical day. Mrs. Goldfain thanked the public for their enthusiastic participation, highlighting the commitment of the Altos de Chavón team to continue promoting ancestral culture in an inclusive, creative, and educational manner.
Culture as a Right: Long Night of Museums 2025
The participation of the Altos de Chavón Regional Archaeological Museum is part of the national celebration organized by the Ministry of Culture and the General Directorate of Museums, which from May 16 to 18 held a new edition of the Long Night of Museums under the slogan “Now for Equity.”.
More than 30 museums, both state-run and private, in cities such as Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, La Vega, San Rafael del Yuma, and La Romana, offered free access to special programming that included performances, workshops, conferences, children's activities, and guided tours. This initiative, inspired by the model that began in Berlin in 1997, seeks to make culture an accessible space for everyone, reaffirming that culture is not a luxury, but a right.
About the Altos de Chavón Regional Archeological Museum
Opened in 1981, the Altos de Chavón Regional Museum of Archaeology houses a collection of over 3,000 archaeological pieces that illustrate the cultural evolution of the island's indigenous peoples from 4000 BC to 1502 AD, when the conquest of the Higüey cacicazgo concluded.
The museum's mission is to preserve and disseminate archaeological heritage, while also promoting sustainable initiatives with social impact, fostering values such as equality, solidarity, and community empowerment.
