An idea that wouldn’t be out of place in the lakeside area has become an important resource and attraction in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is among a select number of urban areas in North America that operate a mobile museum that takes a town or area’s history to all corners of the community.
MUSHI, or the Museo de Historia Puerto Vallarta, is a converted bus that schedules regular visits throughout the municipality. A registered non-profit financed by donations, the museum has permanent exhibits, but also changes its theme monthly. It is equipped with television monitors to show videos, is air-conditioned, has a souvenir store and sells drinks.
This month’s special exhibit focuses on Puerto Vallarta’s art heritage, much of it enhanced over the years by expatriate residents. In November, the mobile museum will host an exhibit on cemeteries and the Day of the Dead traditions, and in December pilgrimages and churches. Previous exhibits this year have covered the filming of the movie “Night of the Iguana” (February), Pirates and Whales (June) and the History of the Charreria (September).
The daily schedule can be accessed by visiting the RutaMishi Facebook page. The Ruta Mishi website also has information on donating and supporting the project.
One of the major advantages of a mobile museum is its ability to take the cultural experience to people who wouldn’t typically visit such spaces.