Casa del Alabado Museum
Discover Ecuador's ancient past through stunning pre-Columbian art in a beautifully restored colonial house. A serene cultural gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Casa del Alabado Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ecuador's ancient past through stunning pre-Columbian art in a beautifully restored colonial house. A serene cultural gem.
"This is the best museum in Quito / Ecuador. The venue is contemporary, beautiful, fresh and offers break out areas."
Allocate ample time ⏳
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Consider a guided tour 🗣️
Excellent guided tours enhance the experience, playing on many sensations beyond just viewing artifacts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Valdivia Culture Artifacts
Early Galleries
Striking figures of women and minimalist geometric designs from 3800-1500 BCE. Ancient art with surprising emotion and presence.
Stone Sculptures
Later Galleries
Tall, monolithic faces reduced to bold curves. Ancient voices speaking clearly through millennia.
Restored Colonial House
Entire Museum
A beautiful, contemporary space within a historic colonial home. Offers serene outdoor areas and a unique atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Pre-Columbian Ecuador
A Tranquil Oasis in the City
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Museum Recommendations
Allocate ample time ⏳
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Consider a guided tour 🗣️
Excellent guided tours enhance the experience, playing on many sensations beyond just viewing artifacts.
Quito - Off the Beaten Path
Enjoy the cafe ☕
The on-site coffee place is a great spot to relax and reflect after your visit.
Look for the collection book 📖
An accompanying book provides additional context for the robust collection.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate ample time ⏳
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Consider a guided tour 🗣️
Excellent guided tours enhance the experience, playing on many sensations beyond just viewing artifacts.
Enjoy the cafe ☕
The on-site coffee place is a great spot to relax and reflect after your visit.
Look for the collection book 📖
An accompanying book provides additional context for the robust collection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Casa del Alabado Museum as one of Quito's and even Ecuador's top cultural attractions. Its unique blend of ancient pre-Columbian art within a beautifully restored colonial house, complemented by contemporary displays and serene outdoor spaces, creates an unforgettable experience. While some wish more of the collection was on display, the overall consensus is that it's a deeply moving and enriching visit.
"I agree with many of the other reviews that this is the best museum in Quito / Ecuador. The venue is contemporary, beautiful, fresh and offers break out areas to sit and enjoy the outdoors and robust fig trees. There is an accompanying collection book to provide additional context. I loved everything about this museum and would love to see the remaining 90% of the collection that isn’t on
Display"
David Maddison
"I confess I regularly dream of time travel, and even though my ancestors are from Italy, I cannot remember once imagining a trip to Ancient Rome. After visiting La Casa del Alabado, I have added a new destination to my time travel bucket list: Valdivia culture 3800-1500 BCE.
This oldest art in the museum is from this time period from a people who were comfortably settled on the Southern coast of Ecuador. The art from this period is striking because of the many figures of women and the geometric designs in the minimalist designs.
They carved stone with a confident restraint, shaping faces with just a few lines—two eyes, a nose, and the hint of a mouth—yet somehow managing to convey emotion, presence, even humor. The ceramic figures, many of them women, stand or sit with poise, their bodies rounded, stylized, and unmistakably human. Some have ornate hairstyles or headdresses, others cradle their bellies or press their hands to their chests, as if frozen mid-thought or mid-prayer.
As I wandered through the galleries, I felt less like I was looking at artifacts and more like I was being watched by ancestors—playful, proud, unbothered by the millennia that separate us. The lighting, the quiet, and the careful curation of the space all work together to make La Casa del Alabado feel more like a sacred site than a museum. You don’t walk through it—you pass through it, like a portal.
By the time I reached the stone sculptures from later cultures—tall, monolithic, faces reduced to bold curves—I was convinced. Time travel isn’t just fantasy. It’s what happens when the past is given room to speak. And here, in this restored colonial house in the heart of Quito, the ancient voices are loud, clear, and full of life.
La Casa del Alabado is not just a museum; it’s a doorway. I walked out curious to know more and changed."
Peterson Toscano
"Best museum in the city and one of the top we did internationally.
They have excellent guided tour, the museum made the effort to play on many sensations in addition to showing fantastic original pieces.
The coffee place is also great to relax after.
A most visited place in Quito and congratulations to all the staff involved"
Stéphane Valette
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the historic center of Quito. Taxis or ride-sharing services are convenient options. If you're exploring the historic center on foot, it's easily accessible.
Parking in the historic center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services for easier access.
The museum typically operates during standard daytime hours, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
While the museum is housed in a historic building, efforts have been made to make it accessible. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility details.
Yes, many walking tours of Quito's historic center include a visit or pass by the Casa del Alabado Museum, making it easy to incorporate into your sightseeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are generally reasonable. It's recommended to check the museum's official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
Booking in advance is usually not required, especially during weekdays. However, for peak times or special exhibitions, it might be a good idea to secure your tickets beforehand.
The museum may offer discounts for students, seniors, or children. Inquire at the ticket counter or check their website for details on available concessions.
Yes, tickets are typically available for purchase at the museum's entrance. However, arriving early can help avoid queues, especially during busy periods.
Refund policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the museum directly for information on cancellations or exchanges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore the museum's collections and enjoy its ambiance.
Yes, the museum offers excellent guided tours that significantly enhance the understanding and appreciation of the exhibits.
The museum features a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts, including pottery, stone sculptures, and figurines from various ancient Ecuadorian cultures.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions posted within the museum.
Yes, the museum is designed with visitor comfort in mind, offering break-out areas and serene outdoor spaces where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has a pleasant coffee place where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments after their visit.
The cafe typically offers coffee, light snacks, and beverages, providing a perfect spot to unwind.
The historic center of Quito is filled with numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of Ecuadorian and international cuisine.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museum galleries to preserve the artifacts and maintain the ambiance.
The cafe is ideal for a light bite or a coffee break, rather than a full meal. For a substantial lunch, explore the surrounding area.
📸 📸 Photography
The serene courtyards with lush greenery and the architectural details of the colonial house offer beautiful photo opportunities. The exhibits themselves are also visually striking.
No, flash photography is typically prohibited inside museums to protect the delicate artifacts from light damage. Always check signage.
Non-flash photography for personal use is usually permitted for most exhibits. However, some specific pieces might have restrictions.
Be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways. Always adhere to any posted signs regarding photography.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, especially for indoor shots. A smartphone camera can also capture excellent images of the art and architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking advantage of the guided tours, as they can make the history more engaging for younger visitors. The museum's calm atmosphere is also a plus for families looking for a less overwhelming cultural outing. Remember to allocate enough time, as children might appreciate a slower pace to absorb the surroundings.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
The setting within a restored colonial house adds another layer of historical appreciation. The contemporary display methods ensure that the ancient artifacts are presented in a way that highlights their artistic merit and cultural significance. Many visitors consider it one of the best museums they've experienced internationally.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
It's an ideal place to explore at your own pace, allowing you to linger over pieces that resonate with you. The museum's reputation as a 'doorway' to the past suggests an experience that can be quite transformative for the solo explorer. Don't forget to enjoy a coffee afterwards to process your thoughts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Ancient Ecuador
Beyond the Valdivia pieces, the museum displays stone sculptures from later periods. These works, described as 'tall, monolithic, faces reduced to bold curves,' possess a powerful presence. The careful curation and atmospheric lighting within the restored colonial house transform the viewing experience from simply looking at artifacts to feeling a connection with the past, making the museum feel almost like a 'sacred site.'
Visitors often remark on how the art feels alive, as if 'being watched by ancestors.' The museum's ability to evoke such a strong sense of connection and wonder is a testament to its thoughtful presentation. It's not just about viewing history; it's about experiencing it, leaving visitors with a deeper curiosity and a changed perspective.
A Sanctuary in a Colonial Gem
The museum is praised for its stylish, contemporary displays that complement the ancient art without overshadowing it. Beyond the galleries, visitors can enjoy the serene outdoor spaces, featuring robust fig trees and tranquil seating areas. These 'break out areas' provide a welcome respite, allowing guests to pause, reflect, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
This combination of historical architecture, modern exhibition design, and natural beauty makes the Casa del Alabado a truly special place. It's described not just as a museum, but as a 'doorway' and a place that offers a refreshing escape within the vibrant city of Quito. The on-site coffee place further adds to the appeal, providing a perfect spot to relax after exploring the collections.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit