Ruben Dario Museum, Tourist Attractions, Culture
The Rubèn Darìo Museum is located in Leòn in the home where the most famous Nicaraguan poet spent his childhood and returned to die. Rubèn Darìo was not only recognized as a poet, but as a diplomat to his country and as a successful journalist. The Rubèn Darìo Museum is not only a favorite attraction in Nicaragua for tourists, but locals also visit to be reminded of the genius that once walked amongst them.
Rubèn Darìo was born on 18 January 1867 in a little town named Metapa and was brought to Leòn forty days after his birth. Darìo’s parents later decided to divorce and the young Rubèn was raised and adopted by his godfather. The genius in Rubèn started to show at the age of three and by his 12th birthday he was writing poetry that was brilliant enough to be published. Darìo decided to spread his wings when he was 19 by moving to Chile to try his hand at journalism. Later, while living in Costa Rica, he met and married Rafaela Contreras in 1890. Rafaela passed away in 1893 and Darìo descended into depression, turning to alcohol as his comforter. His indulgence in alcohol followed him throughout his adult life and ultimately led to the liver cirrhosis that took his life. He was later forced into marriage with Rosario Murillo, but spent most of his days with his mistress, Francisca Sanchez. Darìo fathered many children – some from his wives and some from random interludes – most of which he never had contact with after their birth. Rubèn Darìo returned to Leòn in 1915 to die an agonizing and painful death in his childhood home. He was only 49 when he passed away. In 1964 his home was declared a museum to honor the memory of a great Nicaraguan poet.
The Rubèn Darìo Museum has exhibits that include his very first handwritten poem and other written works, his bible, photographs, as well as most of his furniture. He will always be remembered as the leader of Modernismo, a literary movement, and his poetry that changed the face of poetry forever through his vision, implementation of rhythm and fearless experimentation of language.
