Museum of the City

Museum · Quito ·

Museum of the City

Museum · Quito ·

Museum retracing Quito's history in former hospital with views

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García Moreno, Quito 170405, Ecuador Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Retrace Quito's Intriguing Past Few experiences provide cultural intoxication like exploring a city’s past. And, good news, Quito's oozes fascination. The best place to travel through the pre-Columbian era, Spanish conquest and eventual independence is a visit to the marvellous Museo de la Ciudad. Lurking a few blocks from Plaza San Francisco, this over 400-year-old hospital, the city's oldest building, was converted into a museum in the 1970s and today enthrals visitors with reconstructed indigenous houses, graphic art work, clear and concise videos and English-speaking guides. For just $3, visitors stroll around the typical Spanish colonial building which has a permanent exhibit on the first floor and temporary one on the ground. Note that like many museums in Quito, it closes on Mondays."

48 Hours in Quito

Museum of the City

Alexander K.

Google

If you visit Quito, I recommend that you visit this museum. It gives you a wonderful insight into the history of Ecuador and its capital city, Quito. The staff is very friendly and eager to teach visitors something new. If you ask nicely, you may be granted access to the bell tower, which is an absolute spectacle and offers a wonderful view over the city. We were kindly granted access to the tower and our guide told us some interesting things about the city. Some of the staff speak very good English. The outdoor terrace also offers a beautiful view over the city and invites you to stay a while.

shani Z.

Google

The building is extremely interesting. The exhibition contains very inty artifacts and has a good overview of the city and zone evolvement.

Anthony A.

Google

A museum and community center housed in a former hospital. The architecture is well preserved and the spaces are organized around two internal courtyards. Admission was free when we visited. There are exhibits about the history of Quito, mainly centered on the social and political issues, and a few maps and images illustrating the growth of the city and urbanization. Many rooms are being renovated so were inaccessible during the time we visited. Worth a stop if you are in the Historic District.

Jonathan K.

Google

An artfully constructed chronology of the city from prehistoric times to the recent past. Very professionally done with intricately crafted dioramas and displays and a surprisingly strong focus on social justice and the plight of the indigenous peoples. As an English speaker I would have appreciated signage in English, but I enjoyed it immensely nonetheless.

Tillman Erb (.

Google

The museum offers an excellent deep-dive into Quito's history -- from pre-Inca through the time of Spanish conquest and beyond. Also, the mirador area towards the back is a very nice quiet spot with excellent views south including El Panecillo.

Brita D.

Google

I really enjoyed my experience at this museum. It has a lot of really interesting information and exhibits. Be sure to give yourself enough time if you want to read the information. The exhibits take you through every era of Quito history. Unfortunately, I had to speed through the second half because I only gave myself 1.5 hours. I paid $8, and still it was well worth it. Oh, and there's a sweet kitty who will let you pet her. The information is all in Spanish, so make sure your phone is charged and your Google Translate is ready before you go if you'll need translations.

Alyssia S.

Google

Very interesting place to learn more about the history of Quito. The building itself has a lot of history as well. It's not too big so you only need about an hour or so to see the whole museum, but it's worth the time.

Natalia A.

Google

Super interesting visit. It is an old hospital with a church next to it. The tour that they provide is so great. Our guide was amazing, he has so much knowleage. I don’t recal his name as it was a very unique one but he gave us so many interesting explanations...I highly recommend it! If you want to know about the history of Ecuador and Quito, this is your place.

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

48 Hours in Quito

Museum of the City

Alexander K.

Google

shani Z.

Google

The building is extremely interesting. The exhibition contains very inty artifacts and has a good overview of the city and zone evolvement.

Anthony A.

Google

Jonathan K.

Google

Tillman Erb (.

Google

Brita D.

Google

Alyssia S.

Google

Natalia A.

Google

Museum of the City

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