Overview

This museum specializes in the collection, preservation, research, promotion and compilation of documentation of Mayan textiles in Guatemala. The exhibition consists of an extensive collection of textiles from over 140 communities produced in different periods. It also offers two permanent exhibitions: watercolors by Carmen L. Pettersen depicting the Mayan costumes, and paintings by Andres Curruchich showing the daily customs of the Kaqchikel Mayan community. Its facilities include a cafeteria, an art gallery offering handicrafts and paintings, a bookstore and a shop selling textiles, lamps, jewelry, pictures, mirrors, wooden furniture and other handicrafts. There is even a library specialized in Mayan textiles and related subjects, which is open Monday to Friday from 1p to 4.50p and Saturdays from 9a to 12.50p. There is an area for children, the Museo de la Niñez y de la Juventud (Museum of Children and Young People), with interactive activities related to textiles such as painting, embroidering and weaving on wooden looms, using natural inks. The museum offers guided tours and audiovisuals in English and Spanish on Guatemala's Mayan Costumes, Mayan celebrations and the Atitlan Lake's Heritage.