Antigua Guatemala is a living museum where the echoes of the Mayan civilization meet the elegance of Spanish colonial history. Wandering its cobbled streets offers a unique glimpse into the past, but for those who wish to delve deeper, the town boasts an exceptional array of museums ranging from ancient weaponry and traditional textiles to the birthplace of chocolate.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveler, this guide highlights the must-visit cultural institutions that make Antigua one of the most fascinating destinations in Central America.
Antigua Art Gallery
Located in a magnificent colonial mansion in the nicest part of town, La Antigua Art Gallery is home to an impressive and diverse collection of art. There are exhibits of more than 70 local artists from all across Antigua, Guatemala and the rest of Latin America, including Cesar Barrios, Hugo Gonzales Ayala and Dulce Gonzalez. There are also more than paintings on show here, visitors can admire the outdoor sculptures and finely preened gardens as well.
Museo de Santiago
Inside the City Hall, which dates back to 1743, the Museo de Santiago de los Caballeros is one of the best museums to visit in the town. Located within a cluster of museums, ruins and churches, The Santiago Museum houses some of the best exhibitions in the country. The museum is best known for its collection of antique weapons, from the beginning of the colonial times to the 20th century. The exhibits explore what happened in Guatemala, and are an excellent way to learn about the country’s history by examining the weapons used, including original bows and arrows.
Museo del Libro Antiguo
Book worms should definitely pay a visit to the Museo del Libro Antiguo, which displays the most important examples of early Guatemalan printing. A first edition of Don Quixote de la Mancha, dating from 1620 is exhibited here, as well as replicas of the first printing press. Located in a large, double-fronted 18th century building in the north of the park, the stone benches under the arches at the bottom are excellent place to people watch for a while.
Choco Museum
Guatemala is the original birthplace of chocolate and Antigua produces some of the best in the world. At the famous Choco Museum, you can combine pleasure and knowledge as you learn about the history of the Maya and their affinity with chocolate, which they considered the “food of the gods.” You can also take part in one of the workshops, where you can learn how to turn the cacao bean into a chocolate bar and of course sample a few of the products in the process. Visit the museums chocolate shop to buy some authentic and delicious gifts, like cacao body butter, or rich chocolate liqueur.
Museo Casa del Tejido
Antigua is famous for it beautifully woven textiles, and the Museo Casa del Tejido is an excellent place to learn more about the traditional designs used in the textiles. This museum, market and workshop combined together, offer demonstrations of weaving techniques, exhibitions on regional outfits, and weaving classes. Learn about the different styles of traditional Guatemalan clothing and the textiles from the different Guatemalan villages and purchase authentic souvenirs from the shop for keepsakes and gifts.
Casa K’ojom
For fans of music, head to the Casa K’ojom in Jocotenango, less than 2 km from Antigua. One of the most unique and fascinating museums in Guatemala, Casa K’ojom will explain the Mayan Civilization trough music and the traditional instruments. As well as a number of artifacts, the museum also has excellent multimedia archives, and you can spend hours watching video clips and listening to the sounds of history. Check out the fascinating short documentary about Mayan music at the end of the visit.
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
Casa Santo Domingo is a hotel with five museums on site. The Archaeology Museum exhibits ceramic and stone artefacts from the Classic Period of Mayan Culture. The Colonial Museum houses paintings, silverware and sculptures, dating back to the 16th century, and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art showcases a sample of Pre-Hispanic objects made from stone and ceramic. The Silver Museum, exhibits traditional handcraft objects such as textiles, ceramics, candles and cabinets, and The Pharmacy Museum, which contains furniture that once belonged to the “Farmacia Oriental” of Guatemala City.
