Quito, City of Museums

Quito, City of Museums - May 2010 Dear Jeff Goldsmith , As we celebrate International Museum Day this month with our round-up of 18 noteworthy museums in the capital, it's only fitting we should bring you news of the long-awaited re-opening of one of Quito's finest collections. The mansion housing the Museum of Colonial Art has been thoroughly restored and the collection reorganised under the theme of 'Art and Culture in Old Quito'. We are delighted this emblematic museum in the heart of the historic centre will once again be delighting visitors from far and wide. Don't miss it on your visit. As we work to improve the services we provide visitors to Quito - such as getting all tourism business and their details geo-referenced and online - we also like having a bit of fun. So, we're pleased to launch the '¿Quién sabe más de Quito?' (Who knows more about Quito?) Quiz on Facebook. It's in Spanish, and it's pretty tough, but we think it's a great way to learn about the city. Watch out for more Facebook fun in the coming months. And just in case you thought it was all work and no play here in Ecuador, the 24th May is a holiday here, as Quito celebrates the decisive Independence battle of Pichincha of 1822. Enjoy exploring Quito's new and old museums this May! Patricio Gaybor Managing Director Quito Visitors´ Bureau This Month´s Top Choice Museum of Colonial Art After half a decade of refurbishment, one of Quito's oldest and most emblematic museums reopens this month in the historic centre. The Museum of Colonial Art houses a fantastic collection of works from the 16th to 19th centuries, ranking among the most important museums in the country. more Eighteen Quito Museums for 18th May The 18th May is International Museum Day, with celebrations taking place around the world that promote and develop museums wherever they may be. Quito has a surprising number of museums, and here we bring you our choice of 18 - and they're free on the 18th! more Quito begins vehicle restrictions this month. Quito has new bus terminals in the north and south of the city for inter-provincial transport. Don't miss the Quito Travel and Environment Fair 13-16 May The Devil's Nose Train ride will be closed March-July. Celebrity stars in Galapagos Vote for the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon in the New 7 Natural Wonders!. News Curiosity Quito Quiz We have been hard at work on a quiz for Quito on Facebook. Unfortunately, we've only managed to design it in Spanish so far, but if you have some language skills and think you know a thing or two about the city, get competing and challenge your friends - there are great prizes to be won. more Quito-born Miguel Vera Receives Top Guide Award REI Adventures recently held an event to announce its Top Guide Awards, bestowed on only half-of-a-dozen guides each year from around the world.  One of the winners was the Ecuadorian Miguel Vera, employed by Ecuador Adventure based in Quito. more 24th May 1822 The Battle of Pichincha took place on this date, on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, right above Quito. The defeat of the Royalist forces loyal to Spain brought about the liberation of Quito, and secured the independence of the provinces belonging to the Real Audiencia de Quito. more Events in Quito The Funny Side of Ecuadorian History Tetragrama is an excellent new play at the Patio de Comedias theatre, which explores Ecuadorian history from the comical perspectives of four generations of women. Even if your Spanish isn't particularly good, it's a great opportunity for learning more about the country! more Engraving and Creating Communities Quito's excellent City Museum in the historic centre has been working on a project in its surrounding neighbourhood for some years. One of the fruits of its initiatives goes on show this month, with the exhibition of 43 engravings by local people and schoolchildren. more Small people with big inventions The Interactive Science Museum (MIC), ever-keen to promote science and learning in the capital, just opened a new exhibition of young Quiteno's inventions to improve their city. The museum also inaugurated an exhibition on the Earth Charter. A great museum for children, and children-at-heart! more Title Rating We need you to rate your favourite attractions in Quito - it will be a great tool for future visitors and will help us find out what visitors to the city are enjoying most. Get star-struck now! more Don't Miss These... The top attractions in the city and its surrounding region you simply can´t afford to miss during your visit. Save some time. Start planning now. more Quito's Top 10 We compiled Quito's best attractions and activities, not according to us, but as rated by the visitors to the site with our ratings system. Disagree? Have a favourite Quito attraction? Get rating! more Title Nature + Adventure Parks and Gardens Quito may be a busy metropolis, with its fare share of traffic and pollution, but there are thankfully many pockets of peace and greenery dotted about the city to escape to. more Title