Opened in 2015 the Centro Cultural Carlos Fuentes in Quito is more than just a bookstore. It’s a vibrant hub of Mexican-Ecuadorian cultural exchange. Located on Avenida 6 de Diciembre it stands in a building with a rich history. This impressive mansion once housed President Galo Plaza Lasso. Later it served as the home of the Diplomatic Academy and even UNASUR. The Centro Cultural itself is a testament to early 20th-century architecture.
The Centro Cultural Carlos Fuentes is named after the renowned Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes. His widow Silvia Lemus attended the opening ceremony. She even donated a copy of her book ‘Tratos y Retratos’ for a naming contest for the center’s garden cats. Alejandro Ibarra was the lucky winner.
But the story doesn’t end there. The Fondo de Cultura Económica FCE the Mexican publisher behind the center has a unique goal. They aim to create a ‘Pacific Corridor’ of cultural exchange. This includes bookstores in Colombia Peru and Chile. The Quito location is a crucial part of this ambitious project.
More than just books the Centro Cultural Carlos Fuentes offers a diverse range of cultural activities. A 70-person auditorium hosts events. A gallery showcases exhibitions. A children’s area provides fun and educational activities. The 220-square-meter bookstore stocks 22000 books representing 10000 titles. Thirty percent of these books are for young readers.
The Centro Cultural Carlos Fuentes is a testament to the power of cultural collaboration. It’s a place where books and ideas flow. Mexican and Ecuadorian cultures meet and interact. This vibrant center is a significant contribution to Quito’s cultural landscape. It’s a place where Carlos Fuentes’ legacy lives on. A legacy of literature and intercultural understanding. His time in Quito as a child had a lasting impact on him. The Centro Cultural ensures his connection to Ecuador is remembered. It is a beacon of intellectual curiosity in the heart of Quito.