Museo Tambo Quirquincho, La Paz

The Tambo Quirquincho Museum, located in the Historic Center of La Paz, is a significant cultural institution. Its history dates back to the early days of the Republic when it was used as a dairy farm known as Quirquincho, which was also the residence of the indigenous chief Quirquincha. This site played a crucial role in the local economy, dealing in products like coca, alcohol, and flour.

The transformation of this space into a museum occurred when the municipality, under the leadership of Mario Mercado and Raúl Salmón, expropriated it. The restoration was skillfully handled by architects Teresa Gisbert and José de Mesa, eventually leading to its inauguration as a colonial historical museum.

Today, the Tambo Quirquincho Museum serves as a vibrant hub for cultural activities. It hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase a variety of collections, photographs, paintings, and sculptures, which reflect the historical tapestry of the city. A notable feature inside the museum is the "Amalia Gallardo" auditorium, which, along with the central patio, frequently becomes a stage for concerts, fairs, and other events celebrating Bolivian culture.

Architecturally, the museum is a two-story building with entrances on Evaristo Valle Street and Plaza Alonso de Mendoza, featuring a central patio. Its interior facades include an 18th-century arch with the Spanish king's crown and a Mestizo Baroque style archway from the convent of La Concepción. These architectural styles and historical elements reflect the rich history of La Paz and Bolivia.