Museum sights in Quito
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Museo Guayasamín
In the former home of world-famous painter Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919–99), this wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of his work. Guayasamín was also an avid collector, and the museum displays his outstanding collection of more than 4500 pre-Colombian ceramic, bone and metal pieces from throughout Ecuador. The pieces are arranged by theme – bowls, fertility figurines, burial masks etc – rather than by era or cultural group, and the result is one of the most beautifully displayed archaeological collections in the country.
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Museo Etnográfico de Artesanía de Ecuador
Just north of the Mariscal, the small but worthwhile Museo Etnográfico de Artesanía de Ecuador exhibits the artwork, clothing and utensils of Ecuador’s indigenous people, with special emphasis on the peoples of the Oriente. It’s run by the outstanding Fundación Sinchi Sacha, and there’s a pleasant café on-site.
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Museo Franciscano
The Museo Franciscano contains some of the church’s finest artwork including paintings, sculpture and 16th-century furniture. Some of the furniture is fantastically wrought and inlaid with thousands of pieces of mother-of-pearl. The admission fee includes a guided tour in English or Spanish. Good guides will point out mudejar (Moorish) representations of the eight planets revolving around the sun in the ceiling, and will explain how the light shines through the rear window during the solstices, lighting up the main altar. They’ll also demonstrate an odd confessional technique, where two people standing in separate corners can hear each other while whispering into the wa…
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Capilla del Hombre
A few blocks away from the Museo Guayasamín stands one of the most important works of art in South America, Guayasamín’s Capilla del Hombre. The fruit of Guayasamín’s greatest vision, this giant monument-cum-museum is a tribute to humankind, to the suffering of Latin America’s indigenous poor and to the undying hope for something better. It’s a moving place and the tours (in English, French and Spanish, included in the price) are highly recommended. They usually leave upon request during opening hours.
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Museo de Arte Colonial
One block to the northeast of Plaza Grande is the excellent Museo de Arte Colonial. In a restored 17th-century building, the museum houses what many consider to be Ecuador’s best collection of colonial art. On display are famous sculptures and paintings of the Quito School including the works of Miguel de Santiago, Manuel Chili (the indigenous artist known as Caspicara) and Bernardo de Legarda. The museum was closed indefinitely for restoration at time of research.
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Parque La Carolina
North of the Mariscal lies the giant Parque La Carolina. On weekends it fills with families who come to pedal paddleboats, play soccer and ride bikes. The park's Jardín Botánico has more than 300 Ecuadorian plants and tree species and an outstanding orquideario (orchid greenhouse) - it's well worth a look. The Museo de Ciencias Naturales, the country's best natural history museum, is next door.
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Museo de Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño
The Museo de Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño houses an interesting private archaeology collection and an exhibit of colonial art featuring some of the masters of the Quito School. This museum is on the 3rd floor of the library in the Universidad Católica, across the traffic circle from the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana. Admission includes a guided tour (in English if you call in advance).
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Museo del Banco Central
One of the country’s most important museums, the Museo del Banco Central is located across from Parque El Ejido. This circular, glass-plated, landmark building also houses a movie theater and an auditorium. It showcases the country’s largest collection of Ecuadorian art, from beautifully displayed pre-Hispanic and colonial religious art to 20th-century paintings and sculpture.
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Museo de la Ciudad
On one side, the Museo de la Ciudad occupies the beautifully restored San Juan de Dios hospital (built in 1563, it functioned as a hospital until 1973). The museum depicts Quito’s daily life through the centuries, with displays including dioramas, model indigenous homes and colonial kitchens. Guides are available in Spanish, English, French or German ($4).
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Museo Camilo Egas
Several blocks east of Plaza Grande, inside a beautifully restored colonial home, the Museo Camilo Egas houses a small but iconic collection of painter Camilo Egas’ work. Egas was Ecuador’s first indigenista (indigenous movement) painter, and his paintings of indigenous people – idealistic as they are – are stunning.
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Museo Amazónico
Above Abya Yala bookstore, the Museo Amazónico is run by the Salesian Mission and houses an impressive display of indigenous artifacts collected by the missionaries in the Oriente. It’s not huge, but it’s an interesting exhibit, especially if you plan to head to the jungle.
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Museo de Ciencias Naturales
To further acquaint yourself with Ecuador’s flora and fauna, head to the curious natural-history museum, the Museo de Ciencias Naturales. Contemplating the thousands of dead insects and arachnids on display is a good way to rile your nerves before a trip to the Oriente.
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Museo de San Agustín
In the convent of the Monastery of San Agustín, the Museo de San Agustín houses many canvases of the Quito School, including a series depicting the life of Saint Augustine, painted by Miguel de Santiago.
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