MERIDA.- The Palacio Cantón, Mérida’s Regional Museum of Anthropology, is kicking off 2025 with a thought-provoking exhibition that delves into the delicate balance between social protest and heritage preservation. Opening January 17th, "Restore and Resist: Constant Dialogues" will explore the recent restoration of two prominent monuments on Paseo Montejo, offering a unique perspective on how we value and protect our shared history.

The exhibition focuses on the obelisk dedicated to Felipe Carrillo Puerto and the monument to Justo Sierra O’Reilly, both of which were impacted during feminist demonstrations on March 8, 2023. These events sparked a crucial conversation about the role of public monuments in contemporary society. How do we respect expressions of social discontent while also safeguarding our cultural heritage?

“This isn’t just about fixing stones and bronze,” explains Liliana Hernández Santibáñez, head of Communication and Liaison at the Palacio Cantón. “It’s about understanding that these monuments are more than just historical markers. They’re also spaces where people express their voices, their frustrations, and their hopes for the future.”

The exhibition, a collaboration between INAH Yucatán, the state government, and the Mérida City Council, takes an interdisciplinary approach, examining both the technical aspects of the restoration and the social context surrounding it. It acknowledges the emotional weight these monuments carry, recognizing them as sites of both historical significance and contemporary resistance.

Imagine the scene: the vibrant Paseo Montejo, a symbol of Mérida’s history, marked by the echoes of protest. Now, imagine the painstaking work of restorers, carefully repairing the damage, not erasing the past but acknowledging it. This is the story "Restore and Resist" aims to tell.

The exhibition will be displayed on the outdoor sidewalk of the Palacio Cantón, making it accessible to a wide audience. Through 17 informative panels, visitors will learn about the restoration process, the historical significance of the monuments, and the importance of preserving the memory of social movements.

The curatorial team, led by restorer Karla Martínez López and archaeologist Miguel Ángel Buenrostro Alba, has worked diligently to present a balanced and nuanced perspective. They want visitors to consider the complex relationship between heritage, social expression, and the ever-evolving urban landscape.

“We want to spark a dialogue,” Hernández Santibáñez says. “Heritage conservation shouldn’t be seen as an isolated act. It’s an opportunity to engage with the challenges of our time.”

Beyond this timely exhibition, the Palacio Cantón has a full slate of activities planned for January, including a performance of the play "The Century of Women" commemorating the First Feminist Congress held in Mérida in 1916. There will also be a special tour connecting the Palacio Cantón’s history as a former School of Fine Arts with the nearby Fernando Castro Pacheco Cultural Center, and guided tours of other ongoing exhibitions.

The Palacio Cantón is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is 100 pesos, with free admission on Sundays for Mexican nationals and resident foreigners with proof of residency. This January, the Palacio Cantón invites everyone to engage with history, art, and the ongoing conversation about how we preserve our shared past for the future.