Museums this week in Quito

There is no shortcut to acquiring wisdom. But learning from other humans through art by different cultures and epochs certainly helps. If you are in Quito, do not miss these world-class museums visits:

Pre-Columbian art museum, which means they show some of the oldest human-made artefacts in the American continent (5000 pieces dating from 7000 BC to 1530 AD). They have a variety of thematic guided visits, which you can join based on your personal interests.

Open Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 09:00 to 17:30. Address: Calle Cuenca N1-41, entre Bolívar y Rocafuerte, Centro Histórico. Book by calling: +593-(2)-228-0772

MuNa is much more than a national history museum. It is an epicentre of social dialogue, ideology confrontation and historic evaluation through the critical eye of Ecuadorian artists and theorists. Marvel at the emotion-inducing works of painting, symbolic aboriginal pieces, and startling gold & silver artefacts. This upcoming Thursday, November 25, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the museum will re-open with a new exhibition celebrating the traditionally under-represented female artistic creators.

Open hours: Until re-opening on November 25, virtual tours are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 to 17:00. Address: Av. 6 de Diciembre y Av. Patria,

Edificio de la Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana.

The city museum, located in the historic district, is one of the most amusing experiences to be had in Quito. Its guides are amazing at helping visitors immerse themselves in a sensorial journey through the history of the city. From when it was a valley inhabited by the fascinating Cara-Quitu nomads, through the Inca and Spanish conquests, to the development of the cosmopolitan centre it is today. They offer exceptionally well-designed tours for people with disabilities. 

Open hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 09:00 to 16:00. Address: García Moreno S1-47 y Rocafuerte, Centro Histórico.

This contemporary art museum was established in a former military fortress and hospice, built in the year 1900. In 2017, its spacious areas proved to be perfect for hosting art installations and cultural performances by local experimental artists. Today, Wednesday, November 10, opens an exhibition by Guayaquilean artist Xavier Coronel. Wonder Boy Complex explores a revised interpretation of pop art, mediatic aesthetics and abstraction through massive panels. Book a guided visit with the artist himself here.

Open Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 10:30 to 17:30. Address: Calles Montevideo y Luis Dávila, Barrio San Juan.

If you like history and want to enjoy a cultural experience inside a consecrated atmosphere, visit this museum. It contains a considerable collection of colonial religious art, guarded by the order of the Carmelites. This Saturday, November 13, between 11 and 13 hours, enjoy your visit accompanied by a musical performance by the Yavirac lyrical chorus. The nuns are excellent hosts.

Open hours: Wednesdays to Sundays from 09:00 to 16:30. Address: Calle García Moreno y Rocafuerte (Frente al Arco de la Reina). Book by calling: +593-(2)-228-1513