Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián

Lonely Planet review

An artistic treasure-trove set in two attractive colonial buildings on opposite sides of the street, this gallery boasts an impressive collection indeed. From European masters (Chagall, Picasso) to a stunning assembly of Latin American art, including Pre-Columbian ceramics and contemporary Nicaraguan painting, it's simply unmissable.

Begin with the luxurious realism of the Renaissance and spare beauty of the colonial period, then wander through Romanticism, Modernism, Postmodernism and actually modern pieces by Cuban, Peruvian and other Latin American schools. The big names make an appearance, but it's the work by Latin American masters - Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Fernando Botero, Roberto Matta and more - that define the collection. Look out for the work of Armando Morales, whose shadowy figures seem to echo the topography and vulnerability of the nation. This is probably the finest contemporary art gallery in all of Central America.