Agrarian Museum

In the quiet town of Tzurumútaro, near Pátzcuaro, the old Temple of Saint Peter the Apostle It has a rich and significant history. Not only as a religious temple, but also as home to the Museo Agrarista, which has played a fundamental role in preserving the agrarian memory of the region. Below is a detailed account of its origin and transformation.

Historical context and foundation

The Temple of San Pedro Apóstol was originally built in the 16th century as part of the Franciscan evangelization in the region. However, the history of the agrarian museum begins in the 20th century, specifically in the 1970s, when the rectory attached to the temple became the Agrarian Museum.

Transformation in the 20th century: from temple to museum

The Casa Cural, which historically served as the administrative and religious center of the temple, was transformed into the Museo Agrarista in 1974. This space was dedicated to preserving the memory of the agrarian struggle in Michoacán, exhibiting documents, agricultural tools, murals and objects related to leaders such as Emiliano Zapata and Lázaro Cárdenas. During the 1930s, this space served as a meeting center for peasants, where issues related to agrarian reform were discussed.

Cultural significance and exhibitions

The Museo Agrarista houses a rich collection of historical objects that narrate the agrarian struggle in Michoacán. Among them are documents, engravings and murals that tell the stories of important figures such as José María Morelos, Emiliano Zapata and Lázaro Cárdenas. These objects not only tell the story of the agrarian struggle, but also reflect the identity and resistance of the Purépecha community.

Restauración y preservación

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to restore and preserve both the temple and the museum. The municipal government of Pátzcuaro, in 2017 and 2025, signed agreements with the community to manage federal and local resources for the restoration of the structure and roof of the temple.

The Tzurumútaro Agrarian Museum is a symbol of the region's cultural resistance and historical memory. Its transformation from a curate's house to a museum reflects the community's evolution and adaptation over time. Today, the museum remains a meeting point and a reminder of the agrarian struggle that has defined Michoacán.