Guatemala City may be the most contemporary city in the country but it is not without historical sights as well. Old churches and museums provide tourists with a closer look at how the city developed to become the financial and political hub of the region that it is today.
There are also museums that keep alive the cultural heritage of the country such as the Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes – Guatemala.
Location
The Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes – Guatemala is located along 6 Calle final, Zone 10. It is within the Universidad Francisco Marroquin campus.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach the Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes – Guatemala is via a taxi ride since no direct buses stop right at the entrance. Simply ask the driver to take you to the campus.
Note that Zone 10, where the museum is located, is farther down south off Zone 4.
What to See and Do
Visiting the Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes – Guatemala will give you a closer look at the weaving heritage of the Mayans. You can see various colorful woven fabrics of traditional costumes worn by the Mayan men and women – both for daily wear and for special occasions.
There are about six thousand various woven items on display in the museum – Mayan costumes that originate from over one hundred Mayan weaving villages in the country, mostly found in the highlands.
The woven clothing items date as far back as the late 19th century up to the present time.
There is also a section that displays paintings by Carmen Pettersen; more than sixty of them, that capture the colorful costumes of the Mayans in watercolor medium.
Brief History
The Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes – Guatemala was established in the year 1976. It was formerly located in a leased house within the city.
After much deliberation and consultations, mostly with textile curators from New York’s Metropolitan Museum; the Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes – Guatemala was transferred to its present location.
The museum is a non-profit, independent organization which funds for itself. Local companies and private donors provide support for the museum.
Cost
Entry fee for the Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes – Guatemala is 25 Quetzal per person. Reduced rates are given to students, 15 Quetzal each.
Other Information
The Ixchel Museum of Mayan Costumes – Guatemala is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 in the morning up to 5 in the afternoon. Saturdays, the museum is open from 9 in the morning up to 1 in the afternoon only.
Schedules may change without prior notice so it’s best to check first before planning for your visit.
