Frommer's Review
This powerful museum displays the works and art collections of Oswaldo Guayasamín, one of Ecuador's most famous artists. The museum has three sections. El Museo Arqueológico (Archaeology Museum) houses Guayasamín's collection of pre-Columbian art. The artist once said, "I paint from 3,000 or 5,000 years ago." It's interesting to see both his collection and his inspiration. Keep an eye out for the sitting shamans and tribal chiefs, and the jugs with the intricately carved faces.
Across the courtyard is the Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art), which displays Guayasamín's own work. Most impressive is his art from 1964 to 1984 entitled "La Edad de la Ira" (The Age of Anger), which represents his dismay over violence in the world, and in South America in particular. One of the most dramatic pieces is the three-paneled Homenaje a Víctor Jara (Homage to Víctor Jara). Jara was a Chilean guitarist and Communist Party supporter who was tortured and killed by General Pinochet's army during the 1973 military junta. Military officers cut off his hands to try to stop his protest songs, but it took a machine gun to silence him. The images of a skeleton playing a guitar have a tremendous impact.
In the Museo de Arte Colonial, you can view Guayasamín's incredible collection of colonial art. The majority of the pieces are from the Quito School; they give viewers a good idea of the art created by the first inhabitants of Quito. The collection contains more than 80 crucifixes.
There is also a nice patio (with a great view) and a cafe on the premises. It doesn't take more than an hour to explore the whole museum. Take a taxi here (about $2/£1.10) from the heart of New Town).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
