The Museo de Arte de Pereira in Colombia has been left in tatters following Monday's earthquake. Curator Alejandro Garces posted harrowing images on Instagram, showing walls and galleries reduced to rubble, with paintings clinging precariously to jagged edges.

Engineers’ inspections revealed extensive but non-structural damage, meaning the museum will likely remain closed for months or even years while it is painstakingly rebuilt. The earthquake, though less intense than recent tremors in Venezuela, has significantly impacted the cultural landscape of the Zona Cafetera region.

‘Culture is the cement that keeps us united as a society,’ said Rosa Ángel, board member and emergency response coordinator for the museum. ‘We must fight to protect our cultural infrastructure.’ This statement comes at a time when cultural institutions are struggling with reduced government funding, making recovery all the more challenging.

The earthquake's impact extends beyond Pereira, affecting 14 museums in total, including the critically damaged Museo de Arte de Pereira. The museum, founded in 1974 and expanded into its current space in 1996, houses a significant collection of contemporary Colombian art. Its closure is not only a loss for local culture but also for the decentralization of arts throughout the country.

While the Espriella government faces an economic crisis, it remains unclear whether the Ministry of Culture will provide support to help these institutions recover. The rebuilding process could take years and substantial funds, highlighting the precarious state of cultural preservation in earthquake-prone regions.