On May 18th, many cities around the world will celebrate International Museum Day. This year, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) suggested the theme “Museums in a Changing World. New challenges, New inspirations.” On this account, Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum will open its doors for free and invites everyone to discover part of the cultural and historical heritage of Chile during the 1960s.

Thus, visitors will be able to tour the entire house, located in Barrio Italia, 683 Hindenburg St. Here, they will find more than 350 objects on display which are also part of the House Museum collection, which includes photographic and historic archives, Eduardo Frei Montalva’s personal library, clothing, numismatics, decorations and also, pieces of moon rocks given as a gift to the former President by the astronauts who set foot on the moon for the first time.

The dining room

The house has many rooms filled with memories. One of them is the “Moneda Chica” (the Little Presidential Palace) where Eduardo Frei Montalva held meetings with many eminent personalities, such as Gabriela Mistral and also Queen Elizabeth II of England, who had dinner with him during his term in office. That memory remains in the dining room, which preserves the place settings exactly as the day the Queen visited Eduardo Frei Montalva.

There is also a collection of paintings from renowned painters, such as Alberto Valenzuela Llanos, Benito Rebolledo, Arturo Gordon, and Osvaldo Guayasamín, among others.

A timeline that condenses the entire 20th century, informative panels, and also blowups will display part of the collection and corners of the Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum. This exhibition will be held in the Patio Central area of Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez (462 General Jofré St., Santiago) on May 23rd at 13:00 hrs. The travelling exhibition can be visited for free from Monday to Friday from 10:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs, and on Saturday from 10:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs until June 6th.

The exhibition shows part of the House Museum’s collection, an innovative cultural area opened to the community since 2008. The two-story house located in Barrio Italia and declared National Monument, is an accurate reflection of the mid 20th century Chilean lifestyle. It also keeps intact its original furniture, libraries and decorations received by the former President during his overseas trips.

It should be noticed that Eduardo Frei Montalva made broad schemes in housing, education, reforestation, agrarian reform, nationalization of copper and health. Furthermore, he created the National Commission on Culture from Consejeria Nacional de Promocion Popular, and neighbourhood committees. All these contributions are consigned and contextualized in the exhibition to be displayed for almost a month at UCSH University.

From May 24th to June 6th the exhibition will be at Patio Central area of Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez

“It is essential for the House Museum to get our collections, records, forums for dialogue and learning closer to the academic world, including professors and students, in order to foster Eduardo Frei Montalva’s public work, way of thinking and lifestyle”, said Maite Gallego, Deputy Director of House Museum.

“When accepting this exhibition, UCSH University complies with the commitment regarding to the cultural and educational dissemination. This exhibition promotes to learn more about one of the most remarkable presidents in the 20th century, whose legacy might have a new meaning based on the current social demands and garnering learning”, said Ricardo Rubio, Director of Studies of Education in History and Geography major at UCSH University.

In 1937, when Eduardo Frei Montalva purchased a land in the emerging community of Providencia, probably never thought that this space would become the only home of a former Chilean president turned into a museum. The walls that housed the family Frei Ruiz Tagle opened its doors for the first time in May 2008, turned into an attractive house museum, inviting adults, young people and children to discover an important part of cultural and historical heritage the 60’s of 20th century.

Photographs, personal library, clothing, medals, decorations, original art work, a collection of pipes, and even moon rocks brought by the first astronauts that went to the Moon, are part of the collection of more than 350 objects that House Museum Eduardo Frei Montalva exhibits to visitors.

Library, room also known as "Moneda chica"

The place invites you to look into the lifestyle of a classic Chilean family of the 60’s. The absence of windows is due to a modern museum concept that allows, in this case, living spaces of the former president’s family life through their most intimate features and the preservation of its original furniture.

In addition, due to its historical and architectural value, and for holding on it the collective memory of a time, in 2005 the house where Eduardo Frei Montalva performed as a lawyer, candidate, writer, thinker, Minister, Senator, President of the Republic , father and husband, was declared a National Monument by the National Monuments Council.

The House Museum is part of the cultural tour of Barrio Italia, Providencia, and during this year, a very wide range of activities will be performed such as lectures, seminars, cultural events, cinema, art exhibitions, heritage tours, etc. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday to general public, groups and educational establishments.

As a special way to celebrate its fourth anniversary, during all weekends in May the entry will be free to invite everyone to meet their places, enjoy the collection, and discover the stories that are stored within its walls.

Far East Pieces from the Collection

These pieces were not originally acquired or given as a present with the purpose of forming a private collection; however they allow people to recreate the house’s micro cosmos where family enjoyed watching them during their daily life.

Thus, in the second floor study, there is a Horse Figure, carved in wood, painted in greenish and brownish colours and elaborated according to the Tang Dynasty carving technique (6^th to 9^th Century B.C), which stands out for its liveliness and colouring. In the same room a Bronze Bell can be found. This bell bears the inscription “Long Live World Peace” in Chinese characters. Bells were traditionally used in China since the 6^th century B.C)[1]

In the Living Room, family and political meeting place, a group of Chinese style jade pieces can be found. The latter material is attributed with protective qualities, being this considered as a power and wealth symbol during Imperial China.  Following the same context we can find Woman with Lotus Flower, a pureness and chastity symbol; Monk Holding Peach, in reference to Shou, part of the “Eight Immortals ”legend, who is supposed to have eaten the divine fruit, acquiring longevity and wisdom. The last figure is the Elephant, a happiness and luck symbol.

In Eastern culture, according to mythological stories, animals hold a strong symbolism linked to magic, power and protection.  Thus, dragon, which is present in several decorating items in the collection, is the animal of water, worshiped by farming towns to attract rains and good harvesting. Dragon is also a symbol of the feudal emperor, masculinity, luck and success.

Chinese Bronze Bell

Along with the last figures we can find a Shrine with shape of Buddha, a detailed carved ivory piece, where the figure of the spiritual leader of Buddhism is located.  It is also possible to observe the Chinese ivory handcraft exhibited in the presents showcase located in the sitting room. The Chinese Puzzle Ball is an example of refinement that can be reached by carving ivory. This object could have been used as a toy or as a good luck charm. Ivory is a material that is worked in China since 3,500 years ago for ritual pieces and it has been attributed with protective properties against evil spirits. Using the same format there can be also found representations of concepts such as love and work.

We invite you to visit this new Object of the Month and discovering the important heritage keeping done by Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum.

• Object of the month: Free entrance
• Tours inside House Museumo: $1,300 general, $700 students, children and seniors.
• Address: 683, Hindenburg St. Barrio Italia, Providencia.
• Email: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl
• Phone: (02) 881 86 74

[1] We are grateful to Verónica Xu, Cultural Attache of the Chinese Embassy in Chile, by identifying parts of chinese style and the translation of the inscriptions.

Schedule:

11:30 to 13:10 Children workshop: “Design and make your brooch” at Vicho, 1152 Italia Avenue.
12:00 Cultura Mapocho Heritage Tour starting at Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum (683 Hindenburg St.) finishing at the restorers of Caupolican.
12:00 Puppet Show at Patio Avenida Italia. 1624, Italia Avenue.
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Dj Set featuring Edi Pistolas and Carolina Tres Estrellas from Pánico. 1509, Tegualda St.
5:00 pm Fashion Show with Mónica Aguirre at Patio Avenida Italia. Italia Avenue 1624.

Piggy money box

The workshop is given by Giovanna Guerino, environmentalist, creative, re-user and film-maker. The Ecoimagine workshop is an instance for children and their families to design useful, decorative and artistic items, helping to the make our environment more sustainable.

There are three suggested items, in order that children can be able to embody their imagination. Those appointed for the workshop have to decide, along with their families, which will be the practical or artistic item that they are interested in making and pre-designing an idea or decoration in which nature caring is expressed. Once picked the item, they have to collect the following materials and waste to bring them during the day of the workshop. These have to be brought clean and dry. The options are:

• Piggy money box: Two small plastic bottles (250cc), 6 wine bottle corks.
• Wallet: 4 small milk or juice boxes.
• Tiny sculpture: Toys or plastic objects, wood, metal, cloth, cardboard, clay or other fragments.

The workshop includes materials (glue, scissors, pencils and brushes), as well as a snack for children. The parents or other relatives will be able to take a tour through House Museum Eduardo Frei Montalva for Free!

When Eduardo Frei took office, he was already working for Alianza para el Progreso, a reform program for Latin America, which John F. Kennedy, the then President of the United States, together with the member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) announced in 1961. This program stipulated a mutual aid agreement between the American nations, and a provision of resources by the US government in order to foster the Land Reform (Reforma Agraria) and boost regional development.

Eduardo Frei argued that Chile had to establish good relations with its Latin American neighbors, and cordial agreements with countries around the world. His election was met with satisfaction by the White House, especially because he recognized the commitment of Chile with the Alianza para el Progreso in his government program. This acted as a brake on the advance of communism in America. On the occasion of the change of command (November 3^rd, 1964), The U.N. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson visited Chile on behalf of the US government. It was this visit in which the President Lyndon Johnson (1963 – 1969) sent a silver inkwell to Eduardo Frei Montalva, who kept it on the second floor of the house.

Johnson was a friendly interlocutor with whom Eduardo Frei maintained excellent relations. This can be observed in the presidential medal that Johnson managed to deliver to his Chilean pair when he took office for the second time in January 1965.This item currently forms a part of the Numismatic Collection of the House Museum. Nevertheless, Frei Montalva always emphasized the respect for autonomy of every nation and the permanent search for fair, balanced economic relations. A prime example of this is his refusal to endorse the American intervention in Santo Domingo, 1965.

However, the friendship relation between both countries led to Eduardo Frei being invited to the United States in an official visit scheduled to be held on January 30^th and February 5^th, 1967. In those days, according to the Constitution of 1925, the President had to ask for special permission from the Senate to stay away from national territory. This permission was denied within a context of struggle for achieving the reforms to be launched by his government, as well as its promptness. This fact made a big fuss in the national political context, triggering the resignation of all the cabinet ministers that supported the President, who considered this situation to be “the most serious, or at least, the most unpleasant stumble I have ever had in my administration.”[1] The Historic Archive currently housed by the House Museum gathers an important part of the documents and correspondence that give an account of this situation.

Eduardo Frei y Lyndon Johnson in Punta del Este, Uruguay. 1967

The appointment finally occurred in an OAS gathering in Punta del Este, Uruguay, held between April 12 and 14, 1967. In the sitting room of the House Museum, a silver tray made by Tiffany & Co. Makers of Sterling silver items, is displayed, a gift given by the US President to commemorate this encounter. At that time, President Frei pointed out that: “Every nation looks for, within its own genius, an answer and a way forward. However this encounter would be useless if we did not ask ourselves: Can each of us in isolation face these dramatic demands in the years coming?  Being here in this gathering is already an answer… that is why the decision of creating a common forward market represents, as far as we understand, the historical and deep justification of this meeting.” ^[2]

For Latin American nations, the forward market will mean an upgrade in agriculture, health, and education, together with the acceleration of technological processes both in primary sectors and telecommunications, as well as the appropriate exploitation of natural resources. Frei Montalva had total confidence in integration as an engine for development, therefore, a year after the meeting Frei Montalva sent a letter addressed to the President Johnson, expressing his concern for the delay in meeting some of the set goals.

We invite you to get to know the object of the month of April, photographs, letters and gifts that will allow you to wander through the relations between the Frei Montalva’s government and the United States.

• Object of the Month: Free Entrance.
• Tours inside the House Museum: CLP$1300 general public, CLP$700 students, children and elders.
• Address: 683 Hindenburg Street, Barrio Italia, Providencia.
• Email: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl
• Phone number: (+562) 881 86 74

[1] Historic File Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum. Letter from Eduardo Frei Montalva to Lyndon Johnson. May 28^th, 1968.

[2] Speech by the then President Eduardo Frei M. at Punta del Este meeting. April 12, 1967.

Students at House Museum

Eduardo Frei Montalva’s House Museum has an innovative timeline, a multi-purpose room, self-inquiry modules, and a team of specialized guides promoting a radically new educational program that aims to ease the access for students from ground school level to senior year. These efforts intend to deepen didactically student’s knowledge of Chilean and World history during the last century.

Those who attend the House Museum will be able to enrich their knowledge and design more dynamic classes on subjects such as Social Sciences, Chilean History, Civic Education, and Arts. This National Monument does this through the exposé of a transversal historical character that lived and played an important role in the 20^th century.

The educational program is composed of ten thematic lines, including: Heritage, History of Chile, Economic Development, and Daily Life during the 60’s, among others. These subjects will be covered by the guides, emphasizing different aspects according to the visitors’ age and interests.

Students receiving educational worksheets

At the end of every tour, an educational worksheet is delivered to every student to be filled in the House Museum or in their classrooms, in order to apply what was learnt and strengthen prior knowledge.

For further details, click http://www.casamuseoeduardofrei.cl

All the tours are guided. For over 12-people groups, prior booking is required either by calling to (02) 881 86 74 or by writing to: reserva@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl

**Special offers are available for schools. Free entrance for accompanying teachers. Bilingual guides (English – Spanish) are provided.

• Address: 683 Hindenburg, Barrio Italia, Providencia.
• Information and Booking: +562 881 86 74 – reserva@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, and holidays. 10:00 to 18:00 hrs.
• Closed Mondays.

Objets in exhibition

Women as well as how to improve their life quality at an economical, educational and social level were always part of Eduardo Frei Montalva’s administration.

“Female worker and peasant leader, villager, indigenous and housewife, she studied the importance that women have in the current World, and saw how she could influence our homeland to be better, to have everything and without any bitterness”, announced the Government programme of the former President (1964-1970) right after the “Chilean Women Congress”, that was held in Valparaíso and gathered more than 5,000 women, considering them “the soul of this great movement”

The importance of women during his government was also at a familiar level, through his sister, Irene Frei Montalva and his wife, María Ruiz-Tagle. Both of them kept a key role at women inclusion at social and political levels.

Irene Frei Montalva, got to be Councillor of the Municipality of Santiago in 1963. Her political motivation along with her constant support towards the people, as well as her Citizen’s meetings and congresses attendance were fundamental during the former president’s campaign times. In fact, right when she was heading to Navidad for a political event, she had a car accident. It was August, 15th, 1964 one month before the presidential election; unfortunately she couldn’t see with her own eyes her brother as a President.

Eduardo Frei’s affection for Irene was demonstrated by one of the photographs that is still in the dressing room in House Museum, which will be exhibited during this month. At the same time, there are, especially for researches, recordings of her speeches during the 1964 campaign, which are currently part of the House Museum Historical Archive.

The active role of the First Lady

The First Lady, María Ruiz Tagle

When Eduardo Frei Montalva took office as a President, he delegated the First Lady charge to his wife María Ruiz-Tagle. During those times, that charge was nothing but a protocol-related one and the president’s wife role was only to be with him during official events along with the coordination of social assistance in the women area.

A few later, María Ruiz-Tagle started modernising this role, being considered the creation of the Mother’s Clubs (CEMA) in 1965 as her main work. This organisation’s origin was The People’s Wardrobe (el Ropero del Pueblo”) project created by Graciela Letelier, Carlos Ibáñez del Campo’s wife.

CEMA’s projection was growing on, and in 1966 is created the Community Development Institute (IDECO) a national educational institution, specifically aimed at employment training for mothers through home economics, sewing and hairdressing courses and workshops.

CEMA was proving concrete results during 1970, when more than 450,000 women were in 9,000 mother’s clubs. Many of them were received by María Ruiz-Tagle at the House Museum’s living room, along with his husband. On the other hand, the master bedroom is the place where the outfits that she wore during the protocol events are located.

In 1969, President Frei Montalva created the Commission for Women’s Affairs, with the purpose of elaborating a report for the creation of a state organisation that may develop and apply government policies the women benefits. The conclusion of this report allowed the creation of the National Office for Women’s Affairs, under the Ministry General Secretariat of the Presidency

One of the main activities of this institution was the planning of the seminar “Chilean women facing the change process” sponsored by the UNESCO (1970), which located Chile amidst international modernity about gender policies. One of the persons that participated in the seminar was Angie Brooks, president of the United Nations General Assembly who presented on “the growing importance of women in International Affairs”

Brooks was personally invited by President Frei Montalva and wife to have breakfast at their house in Hindenburg Street, having afterwards, a conversation in the first floor study of the house, which currently Works as a Museum.

We gladly invite all of you to remember the first State policies in Chile that included women in an active way, improving their life quality and citizen participation.

• Object of the month: Free entrance.
• Guided tours inside the House Museum: CLP 1,300 | Students, children and seniors CLP 700.
• Address: 683, Hindenburg Street, Barrio Italia, Providencia.
• Email: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl
• Phone: (02) 881 86 74

]]> http://www.casamuseoeduardofrei.cl/site-eng/2012/03/object-of-the-month-women-incorporation-in-the-social-agenda/feed/ 0 http://www.casamuseoeduardofrei.cl/site-eng/2012/02/novel-exhibition-%e2%80%9cde-la-luna-al-museo%e2%80%9d-starts/ http://www.casamuseoeduardofrei.cl/site-eng/2012/02/novel-exhibition-%e2%80%9cde-la-luna-al-museo%e2%80%9d-starts/#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:22:29 +0000 Casa Museo http://www.casamuseoeduardofrei.cl/site-eng/?p=2894 Come and visit for free the exhibition “From the Moon to the Museum” until April 10th, organized by the National Aeronautic and Space Museum. More than 150.000 people have visited the moon rock fragments, which are part of the collection of the Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.

Children visiting the exhibition

A giant rocket with original moon rocks is part of one of the exhibitions organized by the National Museum of Natural History together with Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum, and scheduled for the 2009-2010 period. However, due to the serious structural damage suffered by the museum located in the Parque Quinta Normal (Quinta Normal Park), the exhibition had to be relocated for visitation purposes.

“The National Museum of Natural History takes pride in sharing this exhibition along with the National Aeronautics and Space Museum, considering that this topic, in particular, is related to aerospace technology and the conquest of this new frontier”, the Museum’s Director, Claudio Gómez, affirms.

During this temporary exhibition, visitors will be able to enter a structure simulating a NASA rocket, which emulates a lunar-like experience. The exhibition is rounded out by photographs detailing Man landing on the moon in chronological order, together with videos from the United Sates National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Moon rock fragments

“41 years after the moon landing, Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum is proud to take part in this exhibition, placing part of its collection at the service of the community. The moon rock fragments, collected in the first trip to the moon, were donated to Chile in 1970, and were preserved attentively and carefully by Frei Montalva during his administration” adds Magdalena Frei, Director of the Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum.

The Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum and the National Museum of Natural History are the only two official institutions preserving moon rock fragments in Chile, donated by the United States government in 1970 and 1975, respectively.

The exhibition will be available for visitation, free of charge, from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission to the Museum will be until 17:00.

Location: Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio (National Aeronautics and Space Museum). Av. Pedro Aguirre Cerda Ave. N° 5000, Los Cerrillos.

Phone: (56-02) 435 30 30. Extension: 10 or 18.

Web Sites:  http://www.mnhn.cl,   http://www.casamuseoeduardofrei.cl,   http://www.museoaeronautico.cl/espanol/home