Don’t cry for me Argentina – Evita Peron Museum
June 21, 2009 – 10:44 pmBefore Museo Evita was opened in 2002 in Buenos Aires by Eva (or Evita’s, as she was affectionately called) Peron’s grandniece, the mansion had been a shelter for homeless women and children, Hogar de Tránsito. As Eva spent many of her last years on projects dedicated to helping the less fortunate citizens of Argentina, it only seems fitting that this is where the museum dedicated to her is now housed.
Through photographs, original artifacts, videos, and quotes, the museum depicts Evita’s short life, beginning with her early poverty filled childhood in a Buenos Aires province. Once a teenager, Evita traveled to Buenos Aires to not only escape poverty but to also pursue an acting career. From here she gained great success as a radio actress and even had a short film career.
In 1951, Evita was diagnosed with cancer and died a year later at the young age of 33. A video goes into detail of the people’s mourning, her memorial, missing corpse, and final resting place in Recoleta Cemetary, here in Buenos Aires. I visited Recoleta Cemetary last week, shortly after her birthday of May 7th, and her grave was covered in flowers, showing that even to this day Evita remains a powerful icon and influence for the Argentine people.
Never having seen Madonna’s film version of the musical of Evita’s life, I honestly didn’t know much about Evita. It was really interesting to see original artifacts such as newspaper articles, books, and even outfits worn by her. I loved learning about all of the good she did through her charity. Luckily, there were English translations of the descriptions and quotes, which certainly helped me be able to leave having learned a few things!
Evita’s tomb, Recoleta Cemetary – Meghan Zichelli
Museo Evita is located at Lafinur 2988 in Palermo. Admission is AR$12, and it’s open Tuesday – Sunday from 11am – 7pm. The museum also holds a gift shop, library, and restaurant, all with different hours. Definitely worth a visit!
______________________
SOURCE:
“Don’t cry for me Argentina”
Meghan Zichelli
June 15, 2009
http://www.examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-14025-DC-Argentina-Examiner~y2009m6d15-Dont-cry-for-me-Argentina
———————————————————————————–
Evita with her husband, Juan Domingo Peron
———————————————————————————–
