Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito - a man walking down the street in front of a red building
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Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito

4.6
·4k reviews·Quito, Ecuador

Discover free contemporary art in a stunning, historic former military hospital in Quito's vibrant center.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed-Fri afternoons

Fewer crowds, more art immersion

CrowdLow
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Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito - a man walking down the street in front of a red building

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito

Best Time

Wed-Fri afternoons

Fewer crowds, more art immersion

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover free contemporary art in a stunning, historic former military hospital in Quito's vibrant center.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"The architecture alone is stunning and makes the visit worthwhile."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry Alert!

Admission is completely free, making it a perfect budget-friendly art experience.

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The building's architecture and art installations offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Architecture

Stunning Architecture

Entire building

Wander through a beautifully restored former military hospital, a visual treat in itself.

Rotating Art Exhibitions

Rotating Art Exhibitions

Gallery spaces

Discover diverse contemporary art, from photography to immersive installations, with constantly changing displays.

Graffiti Art

Graffiti Art

Specific gallery areas

Experience vibrant and thought-provoking graffiti art that adds a unique urban edge to the exhibits.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Big Impact

Enjoy world-class contemporary art without spending a dime! The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito offers free entry, making it a budget-friendly gem. Plan your visit, as exhibitions rotate, ensuring a fresh experience each time. TikTok

Historic Architecture Meets Modern Art

Housed in a former military hospital, the building itself is a masterpiece. Explore its stunning architecture and appreciate how it complements the diverse art collections. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Wed-Fri afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more art immersion
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, diverse exhibits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo 🌌 #quito #uio #amigos #arte #ecuador #quitoen360
@made_in_uio
65K likes • 574.3K views

🎯 Free Entry Alert!

Admission is completely free, making it a perfect budget-friendly art experience. TikTokReddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The building's architecture and art installations offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos. TikTok+1

Centro de arte contemporáneo Quito, galería graffiti.... #quito_ecuador🇪🇨 #quito #graffiti #galeria #centrodeartecontemporaneo
@crimedesign.ec
28.6K likes • 170.1K views
¿Te apasiona el arte pero tienes un presupuesto limitado? 🎨💰 ¡Esta es tu mejor opción! Visita el Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito, ¡Totalmente gratuito! 🆓 Cada experiencia es única, ya que las exposiciones cambian constantemente. 🔄✨ 🔹 Aprende 🔹 Disfruta 🔹 Eleva tu conocimiento 🕒 Horarios de atención: Miércoles a viernes: 09:00 a 16:30 Fines de semana y feriados: 09:30 a 17:30 (Último ingreso:...
@visit_quito
25.8K likes • 6.4M views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

It's conveniently located near downtown and the Basilica del Voto Nacional for a full day of sightseeing. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy a coffee break at the on-site cafe after exploring the exhibits. Reddit

Cool places in Quito | 📍 Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Esta es una señal para tener un date con tu amiga. #coolplaces #dateideas #friends #lugaresbonitosquito #quito #centrodeartecontemporaneoquito #uio #datestory #salidadechicas
@myr_25
17.2K likes • 180.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry Alert!

Admission is completely free, making it a perfect budget-friendly art experience. TikTokReddit

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

The building's architecture and art installations offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos. TikTok+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby

It's conveniently located near downtown and the Basilica del Voto Nacional for a full day of sightseeing. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy a coffee break at the on-site cafe after exploring the exhibits. Reddit

💡 Engage with Artists

If you're lucky, you might meet passionate artists who are happy to share insights about their work. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo for its stunning, historically significant architecture and the value of its free admission. While some note the collection size is modest, the quality of the photography and immersive installations is often highlighted. The approachable artists and convenient location near other attractions are also frequently mentioned positives.

"I visited the center today and was thoroughly impressed. The architecture alone is stunning and makes the visit worthwhile. The collection isn’t huge, but I really appreciated what was included. There was a lot of stunning photography, along with some immersive, three dimensional art installations that you could walk into and really feel. I also had the opportunity to meet some of the artists, who were approachable and passionate, making the experience even more enriching. So great. Thank you!"

Matt H

"Nice place.

A bit too feminist!

It would be great to be neutral!"

Mansour Mansouri

"The building is beautiful, but the collection is small. Some other wings appear to be under construction. Admission is free and it’s a nice building to wander around and get out of the sun."

Evelyn Anne

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Free admission
Immersive art installations

What People Dislike

Small collection size
Some exhibits perceived as biased

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito is located in the historic center, making it easily accessible by public transport or a short taxi/ride-share from most parts of the city. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from other downtown attractions. Reddit

While there isn't dedicated parking for the center, you can find street parking in the surrounding areas or use nearby public parking lots. It's often easier to rely on public transport or walking due to its central location. Reddit

Yes, the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo is very walkable from many popular sites in the historic center, including the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Reddit

From the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service directly to the historic center. Public buses are also an option but can be more time-consuming. TikTok

Several local bus routes serve the historic center. It's advisable to check with your accommodation or use a local transit app for the most up-to-date route information upon arrival. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The best part? Admission to the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito is completely free! TikTok+1

The center is typically open from Wednesday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and on weekends. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most current hours, as they can sometimes vary. TikTok

No, advance booking is not required as entry is free. You can simply walk in during their operating hours. TikTok

Generally, all exhibitions within the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo are included with the free admission. However, it's wise to confirm if any special temporary shows have unique ticketing policies. Reddit

Yes, the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito offers free admission to all visitors, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone. TikTok+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a diverse range of contemporary art, including photography, sculpture, mixed media, and immersive installations. Exhibitions change regularly, featuring local and international artists. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The center is housed in a beautifully restored former military hospital, and its architecture is a significant part of the visitor experience. Reddit

The center sometimes offers historical tours of the building and insights into the current exhibitions. Check with the information desk upon arrival for availability. TikTok

While it's a contemporary art space, some installations might be engaging for older children. It's a great place for families to explore art and history together. TikTok

The center typically has restrooms, and a pleasant coffee shop on-site for visitors to relax. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a nice coffee shop located on the grounds of the art center where you can grab a drink or a snack. Reddit

Being in the historic center, you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes nearby offering a variety of Ecuadorian and international cuisine. La Ronda street is particularly known for its food options. Reddit

It's generally recommended not to bring outside food and drinks into exhibition areas to protect the artwork. You can enjoy refreshments at the on-site cafe. Reddit

Yes, the historic center offers many local eateries and street food vendors where you can find affordable and delicious meals. Reddit

Cafes typically offer a range of options, but it's best to inquire directly at the coffee shop for specific dietary choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted to protect the artwork. Always look for signage or ask staff. TikTok+1

The stunning architecture of the former military hospital and the unique art installations provide many excellent photo opportunities throughout the center. TikTok+1

Professional photography or videography usually requires special permission and may incur a fee. It's best to contact the center in advance if you plan for this. TikTok

You can often find impressive photography exhibitions as part of the contemporary art displays. Reddit

Drone photography is almost certainly not permitted inside or around the art center due to safety and privacy regulations. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito can be a great outing for families, especially those with older children interested in art and history. The building's unique architecture as a former military hospital can spark curiosity, and some of the contemporary art installations might be visually engaging. It's a fantastic way to introduce children to different forms of art in a relaxed, free environment. TikTok

Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow children to explore at their own pace. The on-site cafe also provides a convenient spot for a break. While not a traditional children's museum, the experience offers a valuable cultural exposure that can be both educational and fun. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo is an absolute must-visit. Admission is completely free, allowing you to experience significant art and history without any cost. This makes it a perfect addition to any itinerary focused on affordable exploration in Quito. TikTok+1

Combine your visit with other free or low-cost activities in the historic center, such as exploring plazas, walking La Ronda, or admiring the Basilica del Voto Nacional from the outside. The center's location also means you can easily walk to many other attractions, saving on transportation costs. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo offers a visually rich environment for photographers. The stunning architecture of the restored military hospital provides a dramatic backdrop, while the diverse contemporary art, including photography exhibits and immersive installations, presents unique shooting opportunities. TikTok+1

Be mindful of photography rules, as flash and tripods might be restricted. However, the natural light and the interplay of historical and modern elements create a photographer's playground. It's an excellent spot for capturing both artistic details and architectural grandeur. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of the Building: A Former Military Hospital

The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito is not just a space for art; it's a piece of history itself. The building, a former military hospital, has been meticulously restored, preserving its architectural grandeur. Visitors often marvel at the blend of historical structure and modern artistic expression. This unique setting provides a compelling backdrop for the contemporary works on display, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. TikTokReddit

Exploring the various wings and corridors offers a journey through both art and architecture. The sheer scale and design of the former hospital contribute significantly to the overall visitor experience, making it more than just a gallery visit. It's an immersion into a space that has witnessed decades of history before becoming a vibrant hub for contemporary culture. Reddit

Experiencing Contemporary Art: What to Expect

The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito showcases a dynamic range of contemporary art, with exhibitions that frequently change. Expect to encounter diverse mediums, from striking photography and intricate sculptures to thought-provoking mixed-media pieces and immersive installations that invite visitor interaction. The focus is on current artistic dialogues, often featuring local Ecuadorian artists alongside international talent. TikTokReddit

Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to engage with art in new ways, especially with installations that allow you to step inside and experience them firsthand. The approachable nature of some of the artists, who are sometimes present, adds an enriching layer to the visit, offering direct insights into their creative processes and inspirations. Reddit

Making the Most of Your Free Visit

The most significant draw for many is the free admission to the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo. This accessibility allows everyone to enjoy high-quality art without financial barriers. To maximize your visit, check the center's schedule for any special events, documentary screenings, or artist talks that might be happening during your visit. TikTok+1

Since exhibitions rotate, each visit can offer a fresh perspective. Don't hesitate to explore all accessible areas, as some wings might be under renovation or preparing for new displays. The combination of free entry, evolving exhibits, and the stunning historical building makes it a highly recommended stop for art lovers and curious travelers alike. Reddit

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