
MAAC Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo Guayaquil
MAAC Guayaquil: Free museum showcasing stunning pre-Columbian artifacts and contemporary Ecuadorian art, often featuring immersive exhibitions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

MAAC Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo Guayaquil
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
MAAC Guayaquil: Free museum showcasing stunning pre-Columbian artifacts and contemporary Ecuadorian art, often featuring immersive exhibitions.
"The pre-Colombian pottery is excellent, despite the museum's shortcomings."

Bring a translator app
Most exhibits are in Spanish. A translation app will enhance your understanding of the artifacts. :iphone:
Check for closures
The museum is often under renovation. Some areas might be closed, so inquire upon arrival. :information_source:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pre-Columbian Pottery
Anthropology Section
Marvel at intact ancient pottery, showcasing Ecuador's rich pre-Columbian cultures. A truly impressive collection.

Contemporary Art Galleries
Contemporary Art Section
Explore rotating exhibitions of modern Ecuadorian art, featuring paintings and drawings.

Van Gogh Exhibition
Temporary Exhibition Space
Experience immersive Van Gogh exhibitions, bringing the artist's iconic works to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, But Check for Renovations
Language & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a translator app
Most exhibits are in Spanish. A translation app will enhance your understanding of the artifacts. :iphone:
Check for closures
The museum is often under renovation. Some areas might be closed, so inquire upon arrival. :information_source:
Focus on anthropology
The pre-Columbian exhibits are consistently praised as the museum's strongest feature. :pottery:
Free Admission!
Enjoy the museum's collections without an entry fee. A great budget-friendly activity. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a translator app
Most exhibits are in Spanish. A translation app will enhance your understanding of the artifacts. :iphone:
Check for closures
The museum is often under renovation. Some areas might be closed, so inquire upon arrival. :information_source:
Focus on anthropology
The pre-Columbian exhibits are consistently praised as the museum's strongest feature. :pottery:
Free Admission!
Enjoy the museum's collections without an entry fee. A great budget-friendly activity. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
MAAC offers free admission and boasts an impressive collection of pre-Columbian pottery and contemporary art. While the museum's grand building is appealing, visitors frequently note ongoing renovations that can lead to closed sections and structural issues like roof leaks. Exhibits are primarily in Spanish, requiring translation for full understanding.
"MAAC
anthropology, music and modern art museum is free admission. It has a lot of potential, but is in a state of perpetual renovation. There are no plaquards in English, but you can get the idea anyways. The preColombian pottery is excellent. The building has a lot of roof leaks. Some areas are closed because the ceiling is falling. We enjoyed 45min to an hour here despite the museum's shortcomings, due to the amazing preColombian exhibits."
jay altieri
"Large museum with two distinct sections, one on the historical anthropology of Ecuadoran peoples, and the other devoted to contemporary Ecuadoran art. The former collection is very impressive; it is exciting that so many examples of ancient cultures' artistic production survive and are available for people to see in well-organized and explained categories. The contemporary art section is small, just a few galleries that seem to be devoted to temporary exhibitions. Still one or two of the rooms were interesting when I visited."
Jonathan Murphy
"Too poorly exhibitions.. I expected more. It's unfortunate because the building is huge, and looks very fancy from the outside. Still. Maybe it's the Day I arrived (Tuesday) or the month (November), I don't know. 2 exhibitions where closed when i arrived, so I could see only 3.
Anyway, not sure I will come back again."
Loaay Wattad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
MAAC is located in the Policentro shopping mall area. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services from most parts of Guayaquil. Public buses also serve the area, though they might require transfers depending on your starting point.
Yes, as MAAC is located within the Policentro complex, ample parking is available in the mall's parking structures. This makes driving and parking convenient for visitors.
From José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), a taxi or ride-sharing service is the most direct and convenient option to reach MAAC. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
If you are visiting other attractions in the Policentro area, walking to MAAC is feasible. However, Guayaquil can be quite warm, so factor that into your plans.
Several bus routes pass near Policentro. You can use a local transit app or ask your accommodation for the most suitable bus lines serving the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to MAAC is free! This makes it an accessible cultural experience for everyone visiting Guayaquil.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, especially as renovations can affect access.
Since admission is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special temporary exhibitions like the Van Gogh event, it's wise to check if specific ticketing or time slots are necessary.
As MAAC offers free admission, there are no discounts. However, keep an eye out for any special events or programming that might be announced.
Some visitors have reported that certain exhibitions were closed on Tuesdays, suggesting it might be a day with limited access. It's best to confirm operating status before your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
MAAC is renowned for its extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, particularly its pottery, and also features contemporary Ecuadorian art.
No, the exhibits and videos are primarily in Spanish. Visitors may find it helpful to use a translation app or have a Spanish-speaking companion.
The museum building is large and grand, but it has been noted to have issues like roof leaks and some areas being closed due to ongoing renovations or structural concerns.
Most visitors spend between 45 minutes to an hour, especially if some sections are closed. If all exhibits are open and you're very interested, you might spend a bit longer.
While the exhibits might be more geared towards adults, the visual nature of the art and artifacts can still be engaging for older children. However, the renovation issues might pose challenges for very young children.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, especially for temporary exhibitions. It's best to look for signage within the museum or ask staff if photography is permitted.
The architecture of the building itself can be quite photogenic. For art, the vibrant colors in the contemporary section or the intricate details of the pottery might be appealing.
Generally, flash photography is discouraged in museums to protect the artifacts. Always adhere to the museum's specific rules regarding flash.
Visitors often share photos of the impressive pre-Columbian pottery, contemporary paintings, and sometimes immersive exhibition setups like the Van Gogh displays.
Drone photography is typically not allowed inside or immediately around cultural institutions like museums due to privacy and safety regulations. Always check local drone laws.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Anthropology Collection
The intact nature of many of these ancient vessels is truly remarkable, allowing for a tangible connection to the past. You'll find everything from utilitarian ceramics to elaborately decorated ceremonial pieces. While the descriptions are in Spanish, the visual impact of these artifacts is undeniable, and a translation app can bridge the language gap for deeper understanding.
Contemporary Art Scene at MAAC
The dynamic nature of temporary exhibitions means there's always something potentially new to see. If you're interested in the current artistic landscape of Ecuador, this section offers valuable insights. It's a good complement to the historical exhibits, providing a contrast between ancient traditions and contemporary expressions.
Immersive Exhibitions: The Van Gogh Experience
These temporary exhibitions are a major draw, attracting significant attention and often becoming viral on social media platforms like TikTok. If you're a fan of Van Gogh or enjoy interactive art installations, checking if such an exhibition is currently running at MAAC is highly recommended. Be sure to check ticketing and timing details for these special events, as they may differ from regular museum access.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit