Juan José Santos' 'Museo hechizo' Challenges Colonial Museum Logic

In 2025, Juan José Santos published 'Museo hechizo' through Metales Pesados, which questions the alleged neutrality of Western museums, arguing they are shaped by colonial legacies. The book focuses on 'lo hechizo'—the blend of handmade fragility and transformative magic—positioning the museum as a battleground for competing narratives and histories. Santos highlights Latin American community-oriented museums that, despite their vulnerabilities, promote mutual support. He delves into the museum's variations, suggesting it can be interpreted through localized, minor perspectives. The narrative begins with a fable featuring speaking objects that challenge the authority of museums. Additionally, Santos critiques the epistemological foundations of these institutions while recognizing his own privilege in addressing colonialism. Notable examples include adaptable, activist museums dedicated to community welfare.