All ethnology museums to visit in Ecuador

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 15 ethnology museums in Ecuador. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Ecuador:

  1. House of Ecuadorian Culture1

    House of Ecuadorian Culture

     Quito
    The House of Ecuadorian Culture was established with the aim of stimulating, directing, and coordinating the development of an authentic national culture. This mission has guided the institution's activities and programs, making it a significant cultural hub in Ecuador.
  2. Guayaquil Municipal Museum2

    Guayaquil Municipal Museum

     Guayaquil
    The Guayaquil Municipal Museum, located in the urban center of Guayaquil city, is a significant cultural institution in Ecuador. It is dedicated to showcasing archaeological pieces, objects, and historical articles that tell the story of Guayaquil's rich history. The museum's collection provides a unique insight into the city's past, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in learning more about Guayaquil's heritage.
  3. Yaku Water Museum3

    Yaku Water Museum

     Quito
    An interesting and original museum devoted to water and history of its use in the city. Definitely will get you thinking.
  4. Museo Numismático del Ecuador4

    Museo Numismático del Ecuador

     Quito
    The Numismatic Museum of the Central Bank of Ecuador provides a comprehensive view of the evolution of currency in the country. It traces the journey from the barter systems used by pre-Hispanic aboriginal peoples to the origin and evolution of coins during the colonial period. The museum also covers the republican era and the emergence of the Quito Mint, the issuance of various banknotes, and the consolidation of the Central Bank of Ecuador through its sucre issuances until the country's dollarization.
  5. Pumapungo Museum5

    Pumapungo Museum

     Cuenca
    The Pumapungo Museum, located in Cuenca, Ecuador, is an ethnographic and art museum. Established in 1979, the museum offers a rich insight into the cultural and artistic heritage of Ecuador. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that showcase the country's diverse traditions and artistic expressions.
  6. 6

    Museo Antropologico y de Arte Contemporaneo

     Guayaquil
    The Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo, also known by its acronym MAAC, is a museum situated in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. It is a significant cultural institution that showcases the art and culture of Ecuador, Latin America, and the Pre-Columbian Era.
  7. 7

    National Museum of Ecuador

     Quito
    The National Museum of Ecuador is situated in the city of Quito, housed within the facilities of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana building. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, offering a convenient opportunity to explore Ecuador's rich cultural heritage.
  8. 8

    Ecuador Ethnohistoric Museum of Handicrafts

     Quito
    A relatively new museum that showcases arts and crafts from the ethnic groups that inhabit (or used to) Ecuador.
  9. 9

    Museum of the Central Bank of Ecuador

     Quito
    Constructed in 1940, the Museum of the Central Bank of Ecuador showcases an impressive collection of over 350 original artifacts from various pre-Columbian cultures. These pieces provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited the current Ecuadorian territory for more than 10,000 years, offering a unique opportunity to understand the country's ancient history.
  10. 10

    Site Museum Tulipe

     Nanegalito
    Learn more about the Yumbo civilization, culture and their crafts. An intriguing insight into pre-Columbian history.
  11. Museo Arqueológico Weilbauer11

    Museo Arqueológico Weilbauer

     Quito
    The Weilbauer Archaeological Museum, also known as Museo Weilbauer, is located within the Cultural Center of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE). It operates alongside another notable museum, the Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño Museum. This location makes it a convenient stop for visitors interested in exploring multiple cultural sites within a single complex.
  12. Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño Museum12

    Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño Museum

     Quito
    The Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño Museum is a unique institution that combines archaeological, ethnographic, and colonial art exhibits. It is situated within the Cultural Center of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE), sharing the space with the Weilbauer Archaeological Museum. This location makes it an ideal destination for those interested in a comprehensive understanding of Ecuador's rich cultural and historical heritage.
  13. Museo Amantes de Sumpa13

    Museo Amantes de Sumpa

     Santa Elena
    The Museo Los Amantes de Sumpa, located in the Province of Santa Elena, offers a unique glimpse into the region's history and culture. The museum features a clay oven where ancestral cooking classes are held, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about traditional culinary practices. Additionally, the museum houses a traditional coastal house, complete with typical elements such as a wooden trough and a petate (a type of mat).
  14. 14

    Amazon Museum

     Quito
    The missionaries that ventured to the Amazon collected many indigenous artefacts there. Nowadays, these are on display in this museum.
  15. 15

    Museum of Aboriginal Cultures

     Cuenca
    The Museum of Aboriginal Cultures is situated in the beautiful city of Cuenca, Ecuador. This location is easily accessible for tourists and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region.