ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the planning process of the National Museum of Memory (NMM) to be built in Bogota, an institution intended to participate in processes of social and symbolic reparation through its representation of Colombia’s armed conflict. It considers its work through the lens of the multiple forms of activism the Museum incorporates throughout its architecture, exhibitions and general programme. Activism is invoked as a means to meaningfully involve society as a whole in a national conversation about Colombia’s violent past and present, and it is precisely the distinct approach and role of the NMM as a polyvalent space of dialogue, confrontation. The chapter argues that central to a people’s more nuanced understanding of itself and its past. It suggests that activism not only has to lead to a wide conversation about society’s role in the conflict, it should also invite people to take action on peace building via their behaviour.
