After the Spaniards began colonizing the Americas in the late 15th century, artists working there drew from a range of traditions—Indigenous, European, Asian, and African—reflecting the interconnectedness of the world. Private homes and civic and ecclesiastic institutions soon teemed with imported and local objects. This confluence of riches signaled the status of the Americas as a major emporium—what one author described as “the archive of the world.” In light of the rising interest in Spanish American art internationally, this talk will address the pivotal role that museums can play in shaping the field and promoting discussion.