Recently, the French government awarded the Order of the Arts and Literature, in rank of Knight, to Mr Fernando Paiz Andrade in recognition for his work on the promotion of the Guatemalan culture and heritage in the World. During the ceremony of this important order and recognition and in the presence of the French Ambassador, Michele Ramis, as well as local authorities and representatives of the international community, the project to build the MAYA MUSEUM OF AMERICA in Guatemala was announced.

"My dream is to create a world-class museum, operated under the strict rules that govern most international museums. This museum would be responsible for the protection and cataloguing of our heritage, making it available to scholars and the general public", said Paiz Andrade, who was the former president of the Paiz Foundation and currently directs La Ruta Maya Conservation Foundation and PACUNAM- Maya Cultural and Natural Heritage Foundation.

Paiz stated that he seeks to "create a museum with a unique and exceptional architecture, at an accessible location to all people" and stressed that the MAYA MUSEUM OF AMERICA "is going to position Guatemala as a world-class cultural destination, able to significantly increase the number of visitors to the country. We all know that the Maya also lived in Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize, but if someone wants to go to Maya Museum of America, the visitor will have to come to Guatemala". 

The aim is to open the first phase of this major project on the night of December 21, 2012. This is a significant date that should begin with an optimistic vision of the future, a new Maya millennium in honor of the historic legacy of the precolumbian culture of the country, contrary to the belief that it will be the end of the World. Paiz also indicated that this project will seek to contribute to the revitalization of Guatemala City as part of the  Metropolitan Park, to be built near La Aurora International Airport . "The architectural complex within the park should become a symbol of the city and the country."

The MAYA MUSEUM OF AMERICA will be a joint effort of the government of Guatemala, the municipality of the capital city, private companies and foundations, as well as other social groups," Paiz said.