We are so excited with the new addition to MUNAG in the Royal Palace of Antigua Guatemala. This world class museum opened first in September 2021, and this new addition – with fine colonial art and a substantial collection of Guatemalan contemporary art is highlighted in the extended visit. The new access is on 5a Avenida Sur and one visits most of the Royal Palace as you enjoy your self-guided museum tour weaving through the 1764 Palace – once home to the Spanish Captain General and the King’s offices. Audios are available free of charge in English, Spanish or Kaqchikel with information about most of the museum open Tuesday – Sunday 10am to 6pm. Admission remains free.

Some of our favorite museum highlights include the Museum’s new mermaid logo by José Miguel Muñoz, the silver collection noting that Guatemala is well known for its talented silver workmanship and Santo Hermano Pedro’s original last will and testament (1626-1667). An exquisite collection of colonial paintings is by Mexican and Guatemalan artists alike. We love the Guatemalan colonial sculpture which is some of the finest in the country – all originally from Santiago de Guatemala (now Antigua Guatemala). Other objects that caught our eye include the funeral carriage @1910 which also appears in photographs from that time period and was previously at the Museo Colonial de Arte. A new not-to-miss exhibit includes “La Faena” by Roberto Ossaye (1927-1954) painted in 1946 as part of a fantastic exhibit of 50 contemporary Guatemalan artists.

We were greeted by Cultural Consultant, Claudia Cordero, and MUNAG’s new director, Luis Castillo. This museum is fabulous!!!

Photos: Jeanne Shepherd & Antigua Tours staff