Antigua Art Galleries

(Antigua, Central Highlands, Guatemala)

There is not a great choice when it comes to art galleries in Antigua, although you will find plenty of traditional arts and crafts at the local markets and around the central plaza.

For those wishing to visit an official museum of art, the Museo de Arte Colonial on the campus of the Universidad de San Carlos is a safe bet, with its colonial works and Mexican paintings. If you are looking to purchase an original painting during your visit to Antigua, then the Centro de Arte Popular is the place to be, being conveniently located in the centre and next to the Hotel Casa Azul.

Museum of Colonial Art (Museo de Arte Colonial)

Address: Universidad de San Carlos, Calle 5a Oriente 5, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
Tel: +502 7832 0429
The Museo de Arte Colonial resides in the city centre and within the old Universidad de San Carlos university building, where it exhibits fine art from the 1500s and 1600s. Highlights of the museum include paintings of the colonial era by Mexican artists, Cristobal de Villalpando (1649 - 20 August 1714), Juan Correa (1646-1716) and Miguel Mateo Maldonado y Cabrera (1695-1768), as well as various sculptures.
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

Centre of Popular Art (Centro de Arte Popular)

Address: Calle 4a Oriente 10, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
The Centro de Arte Popular is a leading commercial gallery in the city and is located within the shopping arcade named the Casa Antigua El Jaulon, where it is accompanied by a good selection of stores and eateries. This museum-type shop sells a mixture of original paintings and prints, as well as some colourful Guatemalan masks, carved wooden figurines and religious pieces. All of the art works are grouped in themes, and so if you are looking for something in particular, it should be easy to find.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 18:30
Admission: free