National Museum of Ecuador

The National Museum of Ecuador is housed in a circular glass building at the Casa de la Cultura complex and contains extensive archaeological collections. The institution displays objects spanning multiple time periods and various cultures that developed across the region.

The museum collection spans from the earliest human settlement around 12000 years ago to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the early 1500s. It documents the development of several civilizations that rose to prominence across this region over millennia.

The galleries display ceramic vessels with whistle spouts, bowls decorated with serpent designs, and stone objects used in rituals. These pieces reveal how different groups in the region lived and expressed their beliefs through their craftwork.

The museum welcomes visitors all seven days of the week at the intersection of Patria and 12 de Octubre avenues in the newer part of Quito. The circular building design means visitors should allow time to navigate and explore the galleries without missing any sections.

A special gallery displays metal treasures and representations of shrunken heads from an ancient culture, rarely presented together in this way. These uncommon pieces offer insight into ritual practices that set the Andes region apart from other areas.

Location: Itchimbía

Address: Edificio de los Espejos, Avenida Patria (between Avenida 6 de Diciembre and Avenida 12 de Octubre), Quito

Phone: +593968540043

Website: https://culturaypatrimonio.gob.ec/museo-nacional-quito-provincia-de-pichincha

GPS coordinates: -0.20964,-78.49505

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00