Maria Augusta Urrutia House, Quito

The María Augusta Urrutia House is an interesting museum located in the heart of Quito. This museum is an Art Nouveau-style mansion that dates back to the 19th century and was once the home of Doña María Augusta Urrutia, who dedicated her life to serving God and helping the poor in Ecuador.

The house has undergone some modern updates, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen, but it still retains much of its original charm and beauty. The museum is filled with an impressive collection of fine art from the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, mostly from the renowned Ecuadorian painter Victor Mideros, whose stained-glass windows can be found in prominent buildings around Quito.

One of the highlights of the museum is its two beautiful courtyards that transport visitors back in time to the 19th-century Quito. The courtyards are adorned with period details like a wood-burning stove, the oldest grain masher in Ecuador, a bed that belonged to General Sucre, Belgian tiles, hand-painted wallpaper, and, of course, Mideros' stunning stained-glass windows.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the museum in English, and most of the written display information is in both Spanish and English, making it easy for tourists to navigate and appreciate the artwork and historical significance of the house. The María Augusta Urrutia House is an excellent destination for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to experience the beauty and culture of 19th-century Ecuador.