Casa Popeone, Antigua

Casa Popenoe is a historically significant colonial residence located in Antigua. Built originally in 1632 by Luis de las Infantas Mendoza, a judge for the royal court, this house exemplifies the grandeur of the era intended for the Spanish elite. Despite its construction in the 17th century, there is a conflicting record that attributes the building of the house in 1762 to Venancia López, suggesting modifications or reconstructions over the centuries.

Throughout its history, Casa Popenoe has experienced multiple changes in ownership and purpose. After surviving partial destruction due to an 18th-century earthquake, the house was extensively restored in the early 20th century by Wilson and Dorothy Popenoe, who acquired it in 1929. Their restoration efforts transformed it into a showcase of cultural and historical significance.

Today, Casa Popenoe is no longer a private residence but a public museum managed by Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) since 2007, when the Popenoe family donated it. The house serves as a vibrant testament to both the Spanish-Guatemalan period from the 16th to the early 19th centuries and the broader history of Antigua Guatemala. It houses a rich collection of over 2,300 volumes spanning subjects like botany, agriculture, and the history of Guatemala, along with an array of historical artifacts including furniture, paintings, sculptures, and silverware.

Visitors can also enjoy the meticulously maintained gardens, which are home to sixty-one species of plants, offering a lush, green insight into the botanical interests of the Popenoe family. Casa Popenoe stands today not just as a historical relic but as an educational resource that offers deep insights into the cultural and historical fabric of colonial Central America.