Guatemala Guide
Antigua
Museo de Arte Colonial
Address: 5 Calle Oriente (Calle de La Universidad)
Opening time: Tues– Fri 9am–4pm, Sat & Sun 9am– noon & 2–4pm
Price: US$3
The Museo de Arte Colonial is housed in the former site of the University of San Carlos Borromeo. The founding of a university was first proposed by Bishop Marroquín in 1559, but it wasn't until 1676 that the plan was authorized, using money left by the bishop. Classes began in 1681 with seventy students applying themselves to everything from law to the Kaqchikel language. At first only pure-blooded Castilians could study here, but later a broader spectrum of the population was admitted. The Moorish-style courtyard, deep-set windows and beautifully ornate cloisters make it one of the finest architectural survivors in Antigua. The museum contains a good collection of brooding religious art, sculpture, furniture, murals depicting life on the colonial campus and a seventeenth-century map of Antigua by the historian Antonio de Fuentes y Guzmán.