Martínez-Holguín House Museum
About This Museum
The Martínez-Holguín House Museum feels less like a formal institution and more like you've been invited into the elegant, time-capsule home of a prominent 19th-century Ambato family. Its unique charm lies in this intimate, domestic atmosphere, where history feels personal and lived-in rather than displayed behind ropes. You'll find rooms meticulously preserved with original furniture, from heavy carved-wood armoires to delicate porcelain imported from Europe. The space breathes with the legacy of its most famous resident, the poet Juan León Mera, whose study remains frozen in creative time.
Collection Highlights
Beyond the stunning period furniture, the collection shines with personal artifacts: family portraits with stern expressions, handwritten letters that hint at daily life, and Mera's own writing desk. The lush gardens are a living exhibit themselves, featuring native and ornamental plants that would have been cultivated during the family's era.
Visitor Information
It's a wonderfully manageable size, perfect for a quiet hour or two away from the city bustle; you won't feel rushed or overwhelmed. Just double-check their opening hours online before you go, as they can be subject to change.
Architecture & Building
The building is a beautiful example of traditional Ecuadorian highland architecture, with whitewashed adobe walls, a red-tiled roof, and a layout centered around serene interior courtyards.
Contact & Location
Address: Banco del Estado, Avenida Rodrigo Pachano, Ambato, Tungurahua, 180101, Ecuador
Phone: +593 3-282-8939
