This May, Quito will tear down the walls of its museums and turn the whole city into a living stage of art, history and culture. In commemoration of International Museum Day, the Ecuadorian capital is launching an ambitious programme with over 200 activities in more than 60 cultural venues, thus consolidating itself as one of the largest celebrations of heritage in Latin America.

From historic museums in the colonial heart to contemporary cultural centres, Museum Month transforms the city into a comprehensive experience. Museum Month is an initiative promoted by the Quito Museum System (SMQ), in coordination with public, private, religious and academic institutions, launched with the aim of bringing cultural heritage to all citizens through fairs, open-air cinema, concerts, theatre, workshops and exhibitions.

One of the most anticipated events of the varied programme was NOCTURNA, which took place on 17 May—a night when dozens of museums and cultural venues all over Quito opened their doors until 10pm, allowing for a magical night-time experience that combines history, art, and gastronomy under the light of the Quito moon.

Among the most outstanding museums was the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) complex, the most visited in the country, where visitors could experience the unique sensation of being in both hemispheres at the same time. The historical Museum of the Colegio Máximo de los Jesuitas (the Highest College of the Jesuits), founded in 1839 and considered the oldest museum in Ecuador, was also worth a visit.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Quito’s colonial architecture, its booming gastronomic scene and its natural wealth are quite a revelation. It is the only capital city in the world crossed by the equator and surrounded by majestic Andean volcanoes.

Therefore, in a context where only 7 out of every 100 Quito locals have visited a museum, Museum Month not only seeks to increase local access to culture, but also to position the city as an important cultural destination for international tourism.

See the full programme at www.museosquito.gob.ec and www.visitquito.ec

Through tourism, Quito is reborn!