City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad)
Garcia Moreno 572, Quito, ECU
Formerly the San Juan de Dios Hospital, Quito City Museum (Museo de la Ciudad) has called this UNESCO-recognized 16th-century building at the heart of Quito’s historic center home for over two decades. Now, it charts both the history of the city and the hospital through dioramas, artefacts, and interactive exhibits that will delight history and architecture buffs alike.
After being restored in 1995, this former hospital was reopened as the Quito City Museum in 1998. With a mixture of permanent and temporary exhibits across 10 exhibition halls, Quito City Museum is a popular stop on many Quito city tours of varying durations. However, visitors can also drop by independently for an insight into the capital’s colonial and indigenous past, while those who are keen to learn more may wish to take one of the several immersive guided tours on offer at the museum. Either way, don’t forget to spend some time in the charming courtyards.
History buffs won’t want to miss the well-curated exhibits at Quito City Museum.
Quito City Museum offers several English- and Spanish-language tours of various lengths; guided tours are also available in Ecuadorian sign language.
Pay special attention to the beautifully restored flooring.
Signage is mostly in Spanish, but some English translations are provided.
Students and children enter for a reduced rate, while the elderly and disabled enter for free.
Due to the historic nature of the building, Quito City Museum may not be fully stroller or wheelchair accessible.
Quito City Museum is situated on García Moreno Street in the heart of the city’s historic center and just a 5-minute walk from Plaza Grande. As such, most visitors find it easiest to arrive on foot. For those arriving by private vehicle, there are nearby parking lots which charge by the hour.
Quito City Museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9am and 5pm. Last admission is always an hour before close. Various tours run daily but you must reserve your spot at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the museum directly.
While Quito City Museum offers a fantastic introduction to the history of the Ecuadorian capital, there are many other museums worth a visit. Check out the century-spanning collection of art at the Central Bank Museum or keep it contemporary at the Guayasamín Museum. And no visit to Quito is complete without stopping by the fun Intiñan Solar Museum, home of the "real" equator marker.
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