Bolivia begins restoration of historic National Mint of Potosí

The National Mint of Potosí, a cornerstone of Bolivian history, is undergoing a comprehensive restoration aimed at preserving its structural integrity and enhancing its museological displays. Official commencement of the "almost surgical" work was marked by the signing of an initiation act.

Decades of water infiltration have taken a toll on the historic edifice, necessitating this extensive intervention. The project entails the meticulous removal and reinstallation of its 3,178 square meters of roofing, with each tile being preserved. Structural elements, including wooden supports and load-bearing walls, will be reinforced. A three-centimeter waterproofing layer will be applied before the original tiles are replaced, ensuring the building's historical appearance remains intact.

Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank's cultural heritage preservation program, the restoration is slated for completion in 150 days. During this period, the National Mint will continue to welcome visitors through a phased approach, with temporary closures of certain areas to ensure safety. Beyond structural repairs, the project will introduce state-of-the-art technology to upgrade the museum's exhibits, aiming to enrich the visitor experience and better showcase the historical treasures within.

The National Mint holds a unique artifact: one of the few remaining 17th-century coin minting machines in the world, still in operational condition. This underscores the building's historical significance in Potosí's colonial-era role in global finance, where silver from the Cerro Rico was transformed into currency that circulated internationally.