Museo Casa Del Tejido Antiguo
About This Museum
In a small Guatemalan town, you can find a museum that holds a secret: some of its textiles are woven with threads so fine, they're nearly invisible to the naked eye. The Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo is more than a display space; it's a living chronicle of Maya heritage, where the air hums with the rhythmic clack of backstrap looms. You won't just see static pieces behind glass—artisans are often there, their hands flying as they transform vibrant thread into complex patterns that tell ancient stories. It’s an immersive dive into a craft that has defined this region for centuries.
Collection Highlights
The collection dazzles with over 150 regional trajes (traditional outfits), including breathtaking ceremonial huipiles blazoned with double-headed eagles and mythological figures. One of its most poignant exhibits is a single huipil that narrates the entire Maya creation story, the Popol Vuh, through its intricate symbols. Don't miss the display on natural dyes, where you can see how cochineal insects and avocado seeds create a stunning spectrum of colors.
Visitor Information
Tucked away at 0 Ave. 4-16 in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, it's easy to spend a whole morning here. The town itself is a hub for textiles, so you can see the craft alive in the surrounding streets and market stalls.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a traditional, single-story structure with faded pastel walls and a red-tiled roof, the building feels like someone's ancestral home, which it very well might have been. Stepping through its wooden doors off a dusty street is like entering a cool, quiet sanctuary dedicated entirely to cloth and culture.
Contact & Location
Address: Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo, 4-16, 0 Avenida, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Sacatepéquez, 03015, Guatemala
Phone: +502 5908 7509
Website: Visit Website
