OAXACA.- A new chapter is unfolding at the venerable Museum of Oaxacan Cultures (MCO), housed within the magnificent former Convent of Santo Domingo. Manuel Rufino Aguilar Martínez, a seasoned cultural heritage manager, has been appointed as the museum's new director, effective August 1, 2025.

The announcement was made by Juan Manuel Garibay López, head of the National Coordination of Museums and Exhibitions (CNMyE) for the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), who expressed optimism for this new era. "We're closing a great cycle of dissemination and starting a new one in this former convent," Garibay López stated, emphasizing the long-standing spirit of collaboration that benefits Oaxaca's rich heritage.

Aguilar Martínez steps into the role following José Luis Noria Sánchez, who adeptly led the MCO team for the past five years. The new director was quick to praise his predecessor's work, highlighting successful exhibitions like "Una larga hebra" (A Long Thread) by textile artist Elena Martínez Bolio and "Dolores Porras. Taller," which celebrated the life and artistry of the renowned potter from Santa María Atzompa.

With over 40 years in public service, Manuel Aguilar brings a wealth of experience to his new position. His career with INAH began in 1991, fittingly, at the very institution he now leads, where he initially served as Head of Maintenance and Personnel Services. His extensive background also includes administrative roles at the archaeological zones of Mitla (1997-1999) and Monte Albán (1999-2004). Most recently, since 2005, he has been the Head of Custody of Cultural Property for the INAH Oaxaca Center, playing a key role in developing security strategies for the MCO and other cultural sites across the state.

A Treasure Trove of History

The Museum of Oaxacan Cultures, established in 1972, is more than just a museum; it's a journey through time. Located in a majestic 16th and 17th-century building originally built by Dominican friars, it houses a staggering collection of 5,566 heritage items, encompassing archaeological treasures, historical artifacts, and ethnographic pieces. Of these, 3,900 are on display across its 14 halls, inviting visitors to explore Oaxaca's diverse past.

One of the museum's most celebrated exhibits is dedicated to Tomb 7 of Monte Albán. This iconic funerary collection, unearthed in the 1930s by archaeologist Alfonso Caso, was a discovery so significant it helped lay the groundwork for the very establishment of INAH in 1939.

The appointment ceremony was also attended by Omar Bautista García, General Secretary of the Oaxaca Section of the National Democratic Union of Cultural Secretariat Workers.