Tucked away in Quito’s historic heart, the Muestra geográfica casa García Moreno beckons. It whispers tales of a president, a home, and a legacy etched in stone. This isn’t just a museum; it’s a time capsule. It’s a window into the life of Gabriel García Moreno.
The Muestra geográfica casa García Moreno stands on Rocafuerte and Guayaquil streets. It was once the private residence of President Gabriel García Moreno. He commissioned its construction as his personal sanctuary. After his assassination in 1875, the house passed into government hands due to his son’s debts. Now, it houses a treasure trove of historical archives, offering a glimpse into Quito’s past.
The Muestra geográfica casa García Moreno is more than just walls and a roof. It’s a testament to meticulous restoration. The building boasts 2,273 square meters and a century and a half of history. Its two stories embrace a central courtyard. Stone columns with semicircular arches grace the ground floor. Wooden supports adorn the upper corridors. A less-than-ideal renovation around 1980 attempted to imbue the house with a neocolonial feel. This included paving the courtyard and adding a central fountain. The original elegance was luckily brought back through restorations.
The Muestra geográfica casa García Moreno has played several roles throughout history. From a presidential home, it transformed into government property. Later, an ill-conceived renovation temporarily altered its character. Finally, it became the repository of Quito’s historical memory. Over 14,000 volumes, records, certificates, and tomes found a new home here in 2022, relocated from Palacio La Circasiana. The collection includes Quito’s founding documents, signatures of its first residents, early land grants, construction records, and land transfers. These documents offer a unique opportunity to trace the city’s evolution, from its inception to the present day. The digitization of these archives, a work in progress, will further enhance their accessibility and preservation for future generations.