Museums & galleries
Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum
Casa del Alabado Pre-Columbian Art Museum
This museum is housed in a 17th-century colonial mansion and focuses on the art and artifacts of indigenous cultures from before the Spanish conquest. It holds a collection of over 5,000 pre-Columbian pieces, with approximately 500 items on permanent display. Travelers visit this site to see ancient pottery, jewelry, and sculptures that represent the diverse ethnic groups of the region.
Getting There
The museum is located within the historic center of Quito. If you are already staying in the city center, it is accessible via a short walk. Depending on your starting point within the old town, the walk typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.
Visit Duration
Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours to walk through the colonial mansion and view the displayed artifacts at a steady pace.
When to Visit
The museum is an indoor attraction, making it a viable option regardless of the season or weather conditions in Quito. Like many central attractions, it can get crowded during peak tourist hours and on weekends.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, the museum can be combined with several other historic sites within walking distance:
- Palacio Gangotena (0.1km)
- Church of Saint Francis (0.1km)
- Cathedral of Quito (0.2km)
- El Carmen Alto church (0.2km)
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors