City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad)
The Basics
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.
Things to Know Before You Go
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.
How to Get There
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.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
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.
The Best Museums in Quito
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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- Carmen Alto Convent (Museo de Carmen Alto)
- Santo Domingo Plaza (Plaza de Santa Domingo)
- Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
- Calle La Ronda
- Quito Old Town
- El Sagrario Church
- Presidential Palace
- Independence Plaza (Plaza de la Independencia)
- Cathedral of Quito (Catedral de Quito)
- Museum of Colonial Art (Museo De Arte Colonial)
- Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús)
- El Panecillo
- Archbishop's Palace (Palacio Arzobispal)
- Basilica of the National Vow (La Basílica del Voto Nacional)
- Mariscal