Muñoz Mariño

Did you know there’s a place in Quito where the walls whisper stories of vibrant cities? This is the Museo de Acuarela y Dibujo Muñoz Mariño. It’s tucked away in the heart of the San Marcos neighborhood, a stone’s throw from the San Francisco metro station. The Museo Muñoz Mariño houses the incredible work of Oswaldo Muñoz Mariño, a master of watercolor. Born in Riobamba in 1923, Muñoz Mariño wasn’t just a painter. He was an architect, studying in Mexico at UNAM. He even taught there for a time. It was in Mexico that his artistic journey truly began. He entered a national watercolor competition. Alfaro Siqueiros, a renowned muralist, was a judge. He declared that Muñoz Mariño “has the ability to put air in his works, the genius to create atmospheres, and from them, the personality of the landscape is expressed.” From then on, Muñoz Mariño blended his two passions. He used his architectural eye to create stunning cityscapes in watercolor. He became known as the “Chronicler of Heritage Cities.” His watercolors capture the essence of cities designated as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. He traveled the world, painting over 75 cities. His works graced the galleries of UNESCO itself on several occasions. Muñoz Mariño’s passion, however, always remained with Quito. Many of his exhibitions were titled “Quito and the World Heritage Cities.” His love for Ecuador extended beyond the capital. He traveled throughout the country, capturing the unique charm of its diverse cities. The Museo Muñoz Mariño is more than just a gallery. It’s a vibrant community space in a colonial house dating back to 1850. The museum hosts a variety of events, from book presentations and plays to community discussions and evening heritage walks. It opened its doors in 2010. The house itself has a rich history. It once served as the home and studio of painters Brígida and Gertrudis. They were the daughters of the renowned artist Antonio Salas. The Museo Muñoz Mariño offers free admission. It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of a remarkable artist. Here, within these walls, the spirit of Oswaldo Muñoz Mariño lives on through his vibrant and evocative watercolors. He saw beauty in the urban landscape, and he shared that beauty with the world.