The Paraná Basin Museum (Museu da Bacia do Paraná - MBP) was created with the purpose of stimulating research in the region of the Paraná River hydrographic basin, serving as an agglutination center of facts related to the memory of Maringá and region. The initial archive was formed by an entomological collection, which was increased through donations by the population and other organizations. The North of Paraná Betterment Company (Companhia Melhoramentos Norte do Paraná - CMNP), responsible for Maringá's colonization, contributed to the historical archive's development, composed by photographic panels, documents, office supplies, photo albums, topographic equipment, vegetable trunks fragments, among others. The CMNP also donated the first wooden house built in Maringá, which was dismantled, removed and rebuilt in the Main Campus, exactly as it was, and is the main office of MBP today.
During its trajectory, the MBP has been supporting formal teaching through thematic and artistic exhibitions. Various projects focusing on the history of different peoples, immigration, military coup, and other aspects of everyday living, such as musical consumption, garments and electronic equipment, both portable and household appliances, etc.
Currently, considering that the role of museums surpasses the function of searching, conserving, studying and exhibiting objects of lasting interest or of historical and artistic value, the MBP strives to adapt itself to the growth and complexity of UEM´s teaching, extension and research activities, aiming to deepen the integration between the institution and the community through scientific, cultural and educational activities.
Translated by:
Ícaro Gonçalves and Aline Cantarotti
Proofread by:
Laura Zanetti and Milena Alonso