A captivating portrait of a young Manuela Saenz greets you at the entrance of the Museo Manuela Saenz. This isn’t just any museum. It’s a testament to a remarkable woman a key figure in Ecuador’s fight for independence. The Museo Manuela Saenz located in Quito’s historic center is housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion. Its architecture perfectly reflects Ecuadorian style from that era.
Step inside and you’ll be captivated by a grand staircase. At the top stands an 18th-century sculptural ensemble depicting the Holy Calvary. The museum spans three floors eleven exhibition rooms showcasing art books weapons and personal belongings of Manuela Saenz Simon Bolivar and Antonio Jose de Sucre. You’ll see correspondence between Manuela and the Liberator.
Corridors display paintings. Their originals are kept at the Sociedad Bolivariana. They depict moments from Manuela’s life. The collection also includes weapons from the independence era. Two sabers used in the Battle of Pichincha are among them. You will find Hispanic coins and religious art from the Quito School including Christs by the famous sculptor Caspicara.
Among the most important historical treasures are furniture pieces belonging to the Marquise of Solanda Mariana Carcelen de Guevara. She was the wife of Antonio Jose de Sucre. They lived where the Museo Casa de Sucre now stands.
Manuela Saenz was a Quito native a political activist and one of the first feminists considering her historical context. She met Bolivar when he arrived in Quito. They formed a close relationship. Manuelita became Bolivar’s companion participating in political activities and battles especially the Battle of Pichincha.
Sadly after her death in 1856 from diphtheria her belongings were burned. This was done out of fear of contagion. Precious information was lost. The Museo Manuela Saenz preserves items believed to have belonged to her.
One room highlights a beautiful portrait of Manuela at age 19 attributed to Antonio Salas. A porcelain vase a supposed wedding souvenir shows the newlyweds. Personal items such as hairbrushes and silver-decorated mirrors are displayed. A fan with fine ivory work and a Spanish manila shawl are there too. Another Salas portrait shows Manuela in a typical Spanish dress. A third shows her in an elegant gown and jewelry.
The museum also showcases jewelry including a silver bracelet allegedly a gift from Bolivar. A letter from 1826 mentions Bolivar’s love and his intention to give her the bracelet.
A striking canvas shows Manuela in uniform on horseback ready for battle. This is a reference to her participation in the liberating actions. A sword believed to have belonged to her is on display.
An exhibition commemorating the bicentennial of the Battle of Pichincha exhibits letters from Manuela. Carlos Alvarez Saa the museum’s founder and author of ‘Manuela Her Lost Diaries’ says these documents and other items survived the burning. He claims General Antonio de la Guerra saved them and gave them to General Briseno. In 1860 Briseno gave them to the Colombian National Congress. They reappeared in Quito in 1985.
These diaries have sparked intense debate among researchers and historians. Some claim they are forgeries others defend their authenticity. The Museo Manuela Saenz isn’t just a collection. It’s a living story of a courageous woman who fought for freedom. It tells the captivating story of a woman whose life intertwined with the destinies of Bolivar and Sucre forever changing the course of Ecuador and Latin America.