Best Museums in Quito

Ecuador has a reputation as a cultural hot spot of South America and the capital city of Quito is a large part of that experience. You’ll find some of the best historical and cultural museums on the continent in the city. Here are a few of the best museums to explore while there.

Central Bank Museum

The Central Bank Museum is something of a misnomer, as the museum actually houses a rather large collection of artwork rather than monetary items. Inside you’ll find a collection of works ranging from the pre-ceramic era through the Inca era. One of biggest draws is the ceremonial gold masks.

Museo Manuela Sáenz

Maneual Sáenz was the lover of famed liberator Simon Bolivar, responsible for freeing Colombia, Peru and Ecuador from foreign rule. She was largely considered the brains behind the man and, as such, a small colonial house was turned into a museum in her honor. Here you’ll find love letters, furnishing and weapons from their time together.

Museo de la Ciudad

Museo de la Ciudad resides in a converted hospital and showcases cultural life from Quito dating back as far as 10,000 BC. It details the journey from ancient times to modern life through interactive scenes, dioramas and wax figures.

Mitad del Mundo

Mitad del Mundo doesn’t highlight much in the way of cultural life, but it’s still a must-see nonetheless. This museum celebrates all things equatorial as the monument and interactive museum lies right near the middle of the world. It was here the French discovered Earth is an oblate spheroid. They were actually a few hundred meters off, but close enough!