Quetzaltenango Art Galleries

(Quetzaltenango / Xela, Western Highlands, Guatemala)

As with many large cities in Guatemala, Quetzaltenango has plenty of museums, but far fewer galleries. If you are here looking for a painting or print as a souvenir, then you will find several suitable outlets sandwiched amongst the main shops, as well as the occasional artists selling their wares at the Central Market.

The Museo de Arte is the city's official offering and contains an increasing permanent collection of predominantly paintings, with the odd sculpture or two thrown in for good measure. Pieces by some of the country's most renowned artists can be found here.

Art Museum (Museo de Arte)

Address: Calle 4a / Avenida 19, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, GT
The Museo de Arte functions as the city's premier gallery and resides in Zona 3, alongside both the Museo del Ferrocarril de los Altos and the Museo Ixkik. This important gallery houses more than 200 individual paintings, created by leading Guatemalan artists such as Efrain Recinos, Juan Antonio Franco and Jose Luis Alvarez, with the latter being known for his realistic landscape paintings. Many contemporary works of art are displayed here.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

National Museum of Modern Art (Museo Nacional del Arte Moderno)

Address: Sala 6, Finca La Aurora, Zona 13, Guatemala City, Guatemala, GT
Tel: +502 2472 0467
This museum and art gallery is located in Guatemala City, more than three hours from Quetzaltenango and to the south-east, and showcases the development of the country's contemporary art scene with paintings and sculptures from many fine regional artists. Across South America, modern and contemporary art is enjoying an explosion of interest. Countless works by highly talented artists are displayed here, including caricatures, modern sculptures and large canvasses. Although hardly next door, if you are headed this way, then Guatemala City's Museo Nacional del Arte Moderno is one to look out for.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge