Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum

Casa del Alabado is a pre-Columbian art museum in the historic center of Quito that houses over 5,000 archaeological pieces. The collection occupies a restored 17th-century colonial building arranged into 14 exhibition rooms displaying artifacts across different thematic areas.

The building was constructed during Spanish colonial rule in the 17th century and now serves as a repository for artifacts from ancient Ecuadorian cultures. Its conversion to museum use has transformed this location into a center for preserving and studying these archaeological treasures.

The building's name comes from "alabado," a Spanish colonial hymn that echoes through the exhibition spaces today. This musical element connects visitors to the layered history of indigenous and Spanish influences in the city.

The museum sits in a quiet area of the Old Town and is easily accessible on foot from the main plazas. The exhibition rooms are spread across multiple floors connected by steep narrow stairways, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Rather than displaying artifacts in chronological order, the museum arranges its collection by theme to highlight the artistic value of pre-Columbian objects. This approach lets visitors trace deeper connections between different cultures and their creative techniques.