Museums Quito Ecuador - Attractions

Famed Ecuadorian archaeologist Jacinto Jijon y Caamano has been immortalized at this museum named after him. His collection of archaeological specimens and books are on display here for the public. One of the top historical museums in Ecuador, it is the frequented by students and scholars to partake of the knowledge left behind by the master. The exhibits here have been sourced from different provinces of Ecuador and provide clues about the ethnic tribes that lived here centuries ago.

This impressive museum contains a substantial collection of pre-Columbian, colonial art in one wing, and contemporary art in the other. It is an ideal museum to get an overall picture of the history of Ecuador, from the very first inhabitants, through the conquest, the colonial and republican periods, up to the contemporary period. The exhibition includes ancient pieces, sculptures, paintings, utensils and all sorts of objects and art pieces from the first Ecuadorian settlers. The museum is easily reached, as it is located between two of the city's principal streets, in the north-central part of the city.

Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño holds a special place in Quito, for it contains nuggets of the city's history, preserved in art for eternity. It is named for the benefactor who donated his entire art collection to the Municipality of Quito. The museum is located on the second level of the El Centro Cultural Metropolitano. Besides hosting temporary exhibitions of colonial and contemporary art, the museum contains the permanent exhibition called 'From Quito to Ecuador', which depicts major historic events of the city—like the massacre of 1810 during the fight for independence—through wax figures created by Alexander Barbieri. A trip to Quito is incomplete without visiting this historic museum.

This museum is located on the first floor of the Convento de San Agustín, right in the heart of the old city. On exhibit is a huge collection of paintings attributed to artists mostly from the Quito school, but also from other periods and schools. Artists include such noteworthy names as Miguel de Santiago y Gorivar. The themes are predominantly religious. There are information leaflets about the museum at the entrance.

This historic building dates back to the 16th Century. From 1565 to 1973, it was the Hospital de la Misericordia y Caridad, and later became the San Juan de Dios Hospital. Nowadays it houses the Museo de la Ciudad (the city museum). Different rooms depict the day-to-day life of the city, from before the arrival of the Spanish, to the present time. Through figures, maps, utensils and ceramics, visitors may learn how the traditions, customs and ways of living in Quito have changed and evolved over time.

This old corner house, with its long hallways and balconies, is located in the historical center of the city. It belonged to the Major-General Antonio José de Sucre, distinguished and courageous man who participated in the Independence struggles. This house was the residence of his wife Mariana Carcelen, Marchioness of Solanda, with whom he had a daughter who died at a young age. After the assassination of Major-General Sucre, his widow re-married to General Isidro Barriga. Sucre bought the house from his father in law and ordered its restoration, but was never able to live in it. Today it is a military museum that brings to life the period of pro- independence struggle. In every room you are able to sense the atmosphere of daily life for the wealthy families of the time.

A part of the Old City of Quito, El Centro Cultural Metropolitano was one of the first buildings to be restored in the area. The building in which it is located is rumored to have been an Incan palace. The beautiful 400-year old complex is a hub of cultural activity, with art exhibitions, concerts, plays and literary events being conducted within its premises throughout the year. The Municipal Library housed within it is slowly becoming a national center for documentation of important and rare records. Its crowning glory, however, is the Museo Alberto Mena Caamaño on the second level. It exhibits colonial and contemporary art of Quito. Together with the museum, El Centro Cultural Metropolitano has emerged as an important cultural symbol of the city.

This large and modern building is located in the north-central part of the city. It gathers together the best of Ecuadorian art. Each room or space reflects a different theme, such as ethnography, sculpture, music or painting. From time to time there are shows and exhibitions featuring local and foreign artists. This museum has facilities for artistic performances, exhibitions, film screenings, dance shows and other types of events. It is permanently open to the public and allows the visitor to enjoy a wide range of shows in one place.

A place with a rich natural, cultural and historical abundance, that's Quito for you. There is no end to what you can do here. From mountain climbing, trekking, birdwatching, mountain biking to horseback riding, you will probably need to stay here for ever to do everything. The museums, archaeological trips, gardens and most importantly, the shopping places ensure that you are never idle. Quito is absolutely irresistible.

Situated in the north of Quito, in a residential area, this modern and spacious office has all the tourist information that visitors may need. They have all sorts of useful brochures full of information about the main spots in the city such as museums, historic places, restaurants, accommodation, and other helpful information. A stop here will surely help you get around Quito easily and allow you to make the most of your stay in the city.

Capilla del Hombre is the last masterpiece created by the indomitable Oswaldo Guayasamín. The building was completed posthumously due to his death during its construction. Guayasamín's work bore heavy traces of dark emotions like rage, oppression and rebellion. Like in his paintings of the Andean tribes, these are amply evident in the murals that decorate the building of Capilla. He meant this structure to be a tribute to human struggles the world over. An eternal flame burns in the building in honor of human rights. The structure itself is built of stone, spanning two levels, with a pyramid rising in the center. The museum next to it holds several exhibitions. A symbol of Latin American history and culture, Capilla del Hombre in Quito must be visited.

Located in a northern residential part of the city, this spacious building comprises the Casa, Fundacion Museo Oswaldo Guayasam a tribute to the best known Ecuadorian artist of modern times. This artist's work is a flag-bearer of social realism that has traveled the globe. The museum brings together several stages of his artistic career. A great portion of his pictorial work can be found here, including one of the most ambitious works in the world - the Capilla del Hombre, a temple which portrays the different facets of the tragedy of Latin-American man since the arrival of the Spanish in America. Currently, this work is still considered to be in process, as the artist was still working on it when he died in 1999.

Named for Jesuit humanist writer Aurelio Espinosa Polit, Biblioteca Ecuatoriana is a piece of history in itself. Founded in 1929, it houses some of the most precious documents and records in Ecuador. Its archives are rich with original manuscripts and personal correspondence of several Ecuadorian literary figures. It houses the largest collection of maps in the country as well as an antique books collection, some of which are the oldest in Ecuador. The museum attached to the library exhibits several pieces of art, sculpture and archaeological specimens. Few personal belongings of former president Gabriel Garcia Moreno in a special exhibit room can be glimpsed by visitors. Visitors must explore each corner of the library to discover all its wonders.

Located in the heart of old Quito, this museum safeguards the memories of Manuela Saenz, one of Quito's illustrious daughters, who played an important political and military role during the wars of Independence in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. After the death of her lover, Simón Bolívar, in 1830, she was deported to Jamaica for political reasons. She lived in exile in Paita, a small coastline town in Peru where she died in 1856. She is called the "Liberator of the Liberator." This museum contains her history, paintings, stamps and personal effects. Entrance is free with the purchase of one of the books about the heroine's life.

This is a 16th century building located in the historic quarter of the city. The architectural style is predominantly Plateresque and Mudejar. The extraordinary 18th century chapel, dedicated to the Virgen del Rosario, can be found to the right of the church. The museum houses paintings that portray the martyrs of the Dominican Order. Other interesting pieces are also displayed, belonging to the period of the Escuela Quiteña (Quito School), one of which is the "Virgen de Legarda" created by the sculptor, Bernardo Legarda.