Resignifications of modernista heritage

the musealization processo of the São Francisco de Assis Church

Abstract

This study aims to present considerations about the potential some historical sites have to acquire characteristics of museum-like spaces, given the social trend toward tourism as a form of visitation. To achieve this, an extensive review of academic literature on musealization and heritage preservation was conducted. Additionally, official documents, reports, and publications related to the classification process of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Pampulha, in em Belo Horizonte-MG, as a World Heritage site were consulted. Chosen as the main object of analysis due to its significant transformation after being granted World Heritage status, this case study examines how the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi has become museumified. It analyzes the process of re-signifying the modernist sacred heritage in Belo Horizonte, considering the historical, social, and political context. The research also included site visits to observe the dynamics of visitation, the interaction of visitors with the space, and the conservation and presentation practices of the Church.Finally, it demonstrates, in practice, how the process of musealization occurred within the temple, addressing the conflicts and contradictions associated with the building, as musealization and heritage preservation are not free from interests and disputes. The analysis of the collected data focused on how the transformation of the Church into a museum-like space reflects and influences public perception of modernist sacred heritage.