If you’ve only got a day to spend in Antigua, then add to your bucket list a visit to The National Museum of Art Guatemala (MUNAG). Situated with the Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales to the north side of Central Park, the museum charts 3000 years of cultural heritage, from prehispanic, through to colonial and finally to republican eras. It’s the first museum in Guatemala to offer free audio phones both in Spanish and English to make it a really interesting experience.
Of the many exhibits to see, the incredible wood carvings DintelII from the Temple III of Tikal are pretty awesome. Also, the burial offerings of King K’utz Chman at the Tak’alik Ab’aj Archaeological Park in El Asintal, Retalhuleu, which are considered the most important archaeological find of the Mayan civilization and the oldest discovered to date in Mesoamerica.
The huge painting Ecce Homo, one of a series of eleven representing the Passion of Christ is one of the greatest creations of the Guatemalan artist Tomás de Merlo painted during the colonial era.
I’m mentioning the gift shop, not only as it has some pretty interesting gift ideas but because much of the profits go directly to the Obras Sociales de Hermano Pedro, providing healthcare for those that live at or below the poverty line.
The National Museum of Art of Guatemala (MUNAG) only opened in September 2021. The second half of the museum will be opening to the public early in 2023. I really can’t wait to it!
Address: Palacio de los Capitanes, 5ª Calle Poniente
Website: www.culturaguate.com
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10AM-7PM
Free to enter
