The restoration of the complex popularly known as the Convent of Sor Juana de Maldonado began in 2007, thanks to a donation from the Government of Taiwan and implementation by the National Council for the Protection of Antigua (Consejo Nacional para la Protección de Antigua – CNPAG). The restoration of this monument is complete and it’s now a space for both visiting tourists and the La Antigua community to learn about and celebrate the traditions of Lent and Holy Week: Museo de las Tradiciones de Semana Santa.
One of the more unusual features of the museum is being able to see architectural and decorative elements and spaces that have been rescued and restored. Right inside the entrance of the museum (and underneath a thick glass plate that serves as the floor) one of the building’s original piletas (or water cisterns) can be seen, and in other parts of the house there are other original piletas and a fountain.
Throughout Lent and Holy Week, the museum presents several exhibitions about Semana Santa including “Miniature Andas” (an anda is the ceremonial platform carried in a religious procession), as well as photographs and other religious items. On display are also several colored-sawdust alfombras (or “carpets”) and an altar as part of the exhibits to educate museum-goers about one of the most important times of the year in La Antigua.
The museum is located at 4a Calle Oriente #45A and can be visited Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. Admission is Q5, and for more information you can call 7882-4789.
Find them at Facebook as: Museo Sor Juana de Maldonado.
