He National Museum of Art of Guatemala in Antigua Guatemala (Munag) It opened its doors on September 11, 2021 in the heart of the colonial city, with the aim of safeguarding, protecting and disseminating the country’s cultural heritage. This space, managed by the State, operates within the historic Palace of the Captains General and offers the public a museum experience that combines art, history and technological resources, with free admission for Guatemalans.

National Museum of Art in Antigua Guatemala

He Munag It is located in one of the most emblematic buildings of the Antigua Guatemalahe Royal Palace of the Captains General. This property is part of the World Heritage of Humanity and has had different uses since the 16th century. To convert it into a museum, its original structure was respected and it was decided to install removable frames that allow the works to be displayed without altering the building.

The museum has seven rooms distributed in 842 square meters of exhibition space, where more than 90 pieces are displayed ranging from the pre-Hispanic era to the Republican period. In addition to the rooms, the Munag It incorporates technological elements, audiovisual resources and areas intended for education and cultural activities.

Tour of colonial art

An important part of the museum is dedicated to colonial art, divided into several rooms that allow us to better understand this period. In the room of colonial art, rescue and restoration, located at the beginning of the tour, two masterpieces that underwent restoration processes are exhibited. This space also explains how we work to conserve ancient pieces and why it is key to keeping historical memory alive.

In the room of colonial art and applied arts, the visitor finds religious and civic furniture, as well as pieces of silverware. These works stand out for their technique and for the use they had in the daily and religious life of the time. Further along, the room of colonial art, painting and sculpture brings together works made by Guatemalan, Mexican and other painters, as well as pieces whose author is unknown, something common in that period.

Rooms about the pre-Hispanic legacy

The tour of the Munag It also gives ample space to the pre-Hispanic period, with rooms dedicated to the art of the Mayan civilization. In Prehispánico 1, pieces are exhibited that show the artistic and symbolic ability of this culture, through sculptures and objects with a strong historical charge.

One of the most striking rooms is the Prehispánico, Tikal lintel, where a representation of the wood sculpture of Mayan art is presented, inspired by the famous lintels of the archaeological site of Tikal. This space helps to understand the importance of sculpture and iconography in Mayan political and ceremonial life.

Republican art and information for your visit

The tour closes with the republican art room, which presents works created after the colonial period. These pieces reflect a time of change and transition, marked by new political and social ideas. Here you can see paintings and sculptures related to political inclinations and the construction of a national identity.

He National Museum of Art in Antigua Guatemala is located in the Palace of the Captains General, on 5th Poniente Street Antigua Guatemala. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the afternoon, and offers guided tours for those who want a more complete experience. The Admission is free for Guatemalansonly presenting the DPI.

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