Antigua Museums (Self Guided), Antigua
A combination of Spanish colonialism and Mayan culture has given rise to a wealth of heritage in Guatemala. The evidence of this is particularly visible in Antigua, a small town yet fascinating place to visit in Latin America. The local museums are well worth exploring for anyone wishing to learn about the country's history in general and some of its aspects in particular.
The Casa Santo Domingo Museum, housed within the ruins of a former monastery, is a gem showcasing an impressive collection of religious artifacts, colonial-era art, and archaeological treasures.
For those interested in the allure of precious stones, the Jade Maya, or Jade Museum, is a go-to place. It holds an extensive array of jade artifacts, including intricate jewelry, sculptures, and historical pieces, shedding light on the significance of jade in Mayan culture.
Casa Popeone, a private museum, displays an eclectic mix of well-preserved items, from vintage cars to antique firearms, giving you a taste of Antigua's opulent past and a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of affluent colonial families.
The Museum of Colonial Art is a haven for those intrigued by colonial art. The exhibits – religious relics, silverwork, and sculptures, – provide a valuable perspective on the fusion of indigenous and European influences during the colonial era.
The Museum of Santiago de los Caballeros delves into the history of the city itself, offering a deeper understanding of its origins and development.
Bookworms will certainly appreciate the Museo del Libro Antiguo, showcasing ancient books and manuscripts – a sheer haven for bibliophiles curious about the written heritage of Antigua.
For a sweet and savory experience, the ChocoMuseo, or Chocolate Museum, is an interactive delight. Here, you can learn about the history of chocolate, its cultivation, and enjoy delicious tastings.
Antigua's museums are windows into the city's history, art, and culture. Each museum has something special to offer, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all backgrounds. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of Antigua, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
The Casa Santo Domingo Museum, housed within the ruins of a former monastery, is a gem showcasing an impressive collection of religious artifacts, colonial-era art, and archaeological treasures.
For those interested in the allure of precious stones, the Jade Maya, or Jade Museum, is a go-to place. It holds an extensive array of jade artifacts, including intricate jewelry, sculptures, and historical pieces, shedding light on the significance of jade in Mayan culture.
Casa Popeone, a private museum, displays an eclectic mix of well-preserved items, from vintage cars to antique firearms, giving you a taste of Antigua's opulent past and a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of affluent colonial families.
The Museum of Colonial Art is a haven for those intrigued by colonial art. The exhibits – religious relics, silverwork, and sculptures, – provide a valuable perspective on the fusion of indigenous and European influences during the colonial era.
The Museum of Santiago de los Caballeros delves into the history of the city itself, offering a deeper understanding of its origins and development.
Bookworms will certainly appreciate the Museo del Libro Antiguo, showcasing ancient books and manuscripts – a sheer haven for bibliophiles curious about the written heritage of Antigua.
For a sweet and savory experience, the ChocoMuseo, or Chocolate Museum, is an interactive delight. Here, you can learn about the history of chocolate, its cultivation, and enjoy delicious tastings.
Antigua's museums are windows into the city's history, art, and culture. Each museum has something special to offer, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all backgrounds. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of Antigua, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
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Antigua Museums Map
Guide Name: Antigua Museums
Guide Location: Guatemala » Antigua (See other walking tours in Antigua)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: Nick
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Guatemala » Antigua (See other walking tours in Antigua)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: Nick
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Casa Santo Domingo Museum (Santo Domingo Museum)
- Jade Maya (Jade Museum)
- Casa Popeone
- Museum of Colonial Art
- Museum of Santiago de los Caballeros
- Museo del Libro Antiguo
- ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum)
1) Casa Santo Domingo Museum (Santo Domingo Museum) (must see)
The Santo Domingo Museum is on the grounds of a convent dating back to the 16th century. Restoration efforts have made this former convent into a perfect museum space to highlight the artifacts on display. Brick arches and tile corridors help bring the area to life, replicating what the original building may have looked like.
Art that dates back to the ancient Mayan culture, including ceramics, forms an integral part of the collection. In keeping with the building's previous history as a church, the museum's collection includes religious terms. Touring this museum will give you a great appreciation for the area's history.
You can see other interesting items: silver and glassware, pharmacy articles, and archaeological artifacts. Paintings and sculptures that cover all of the site's time periods are part of the displays here. You also have the chance to see well-preserved Colonial furniture here.
Art that dates back to the ancient Mayan culture, including ceramics, forms an integral part of the collection. In keeping with the building's previous history as a church, the museum's collection includes religious terms. Touring this museum will give you a great appreciation for the area's history.
You can see other interesting items: silver and glassware, pharmacy articles, and archaeological artifacts. Paintings and sculptures that cover all of the site's time periods are part of the displays here. You also have the chance to see well-preserved Colonial furniture here.
2) Jade Maya (Jade Museum)
Jade Museum has displays covering over 3,000 years of history and seven distinct cultures. Part jeweler, part museum, Jade Museum has played a leading role in introducing the world to Guatemala's jadeite trade. This company has been present in Antigua since 1974.
Mary Lou Ridinger, an archaeologist, and her husband Jay are the company's founders. The jade that is sustainably mined is used to craft museum-quality jewelry that showcases pre-Colombian art forms. Starting the jade industry again in this area helped restore a lost art.
The jewelry on display in the showroom encompasses many types, from earrings and necklaces to woven bracelets. Sculptures and carvings crafted from jade are also here, from mask replicas to figurines of wildlife and models of Maya artifacts. Visitors shopping for jewelry or collectibles or wanting to learn more about jade craft will be satisfied with their experience.
Mary Lou Ridinger, an archaeologist, and her husband Jay are the company's founders. The jade that is sustainably mined is used to craft museum-quality jewelry that showcases pre-Colombian art forms. Starting the jade industry again in this area helped restore a lost art.
The jewelry on display in the showroom encompasses many types, from earrings and necklaces to woven bracelets. Sculptures and carvings crafted from jade are also here, from mask replicas to figurines of wildlife and models of Maya artifacts. Visitors shopping for jewelry or collectibles or wanting to learn more about jade craft will be satisfied with their experience.
3) Casa Popeone
Casa Popenoe is a private home open for public viewing. The house was built in 1636 for the Spanish judge Don Luis de las Infantas Mendoza. Today, the home illustrates wonderfully how wealthy people lived in the colonial era. The house was partly destroyed by an 18th century earthquake, but has since undergone a full scale restoration at the beginning of the 20th century.
4) Museum of Colonial Art
Situated in the town center, Museum of Colonial Art is a fantastic piece of 16th and 17th century colonial art in regards to architecture. Inside, the building features a lovely collection of art, as Tomas de Merlo and Cristobal Villalpando are among the authors of the paintings located inside the exhibit.
5) Museum of Santiago de los Caballeros
The Museum of Santiago de los Caballeros is located in front of Central Park, at City Hall. The museum offers five exhibition rooms with ancient paintings and sculptures. In one of these rooms, tourists may observe a frame representing the old city, as well as witness other important changes to the city. Swords, cannons, and muskets are also exhibited here.
6) Museo del Libro Antiguo
Guatemala’s first printing press was established here in 1660. In 1956, the building became home to the Museum del Libro Antiguo. Among the exhibits, visitors will find a copy of the original printing press along with an overview of the history of printing, the will of Hermano Pedro - Guatemala’s most well known religious character - as well as a room dedicated to the process of making marbled paper.
7) ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum) (must see)
The Chocolate Museum in Antigua, Guatemala, offers one of the best ranges of overall experiences for those who love everything chocolate-related. One of the biggest highlights is a free tour where you can learn all about cacao beans and pods, in an experience that is perfect for visitors of all ages.
There are also three workshops visitors can enjoy, including one where you can make chocolate from the bean. You can also enjoy a mini-workshop if you're short on time. Another popular workshop lets you learn how to make the ganache required for shelled bonbons and truffles.
One of the things that stands out about this museum is its open production area. When you take one of these tours and buy from the Chocolate Museum, you're supporting local entrepreneurs. Meeting with the people behind local chocolate production is an excellent way to gain a new appreciation for this indulgent, sweet treat.
There are also three workshops visitors can enjoy, including one where you can make chocolate from the bean. You can also enjoy a mini-workshop if you're short on time. Another popular workshop lets you learn how to make the ganache required for shelled bonbons and truffles.
One of the things that stands out about this museum is its open production area. When you take one of these tours and buy from the Chocolate Museum, you're supporting local entrepreneurs. Meeting with the people behind local chocolate production is an excellent way to gain a new appreciation for this indulgent, sweet treat.
Walking Tours in Antigua, Guatemala
Create Your Own Walk in Antigua
Creating your own self-guided walk in Antigua is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antigua Introduction Walking Tour
Antigua, Guatemala, which is sometimes known as La Antigua, dates back to 1543. This city was the third capital of the Spanish colony. Surrounded by volcanoes, the city of Antigua is a small yet very picturesque example of Spanish colonial architecture. Jesuit and Franciscan orders have had a presence in this region since the 17th century, contributing to its rich colonial religious life.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Ancient Ruins of Antigua
In places like Antigua Guatemala, it feels as if a time machine has already been invented. This glorious ancient town breathes history in all its streets, houses, fountains, and courtyards, but above all the great ruins, which are impossible to miss against the impressive backdrop of Agua Volcano. The latter is responsible for these ruins in the first place, having caused a series of earthquakes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
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