The Banco Central Archaeological Museum is one of the main museums in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The museum is located in the heart of Quito’s historic center and houses an extensive collection of archaeological and cultural artifacts from Ecuador’s ancient pre-Columbian civilizations.The museum was founded in 1965 by the Banco Central del Ecuador to promote the preservation and study of Ecuador’s culture and history. The museum’s collection consists of more than 170,000 pieces, including ceramics, textiles, gold, silver, and copper artifacts, as well as mummy and skeleton remains.The Banco Central Archaeological Museum’s collection is divided into several sections, each showcasing a particular geographical area or historical period. Among the most interesting sections are those devoted to the Valdivia culture, the Machalilla culture, and the Manteña culture.One of the most famous pieces in the museum’s collection is the stone statue of the moon god from the Jama-Coaque culture, which dates back to about 500 BCE. Other notable pieces include a large panel of Inca-style textiles and numerous ceramics decorated with scenes of daily life.The Banco Central Archaeological Museum is an important cultural landmark for Ecuador and attracts visitors from all over the world interested in the history and culture of ancient pre-Columbian civilizations. If you are passionate about archaeology and ancient history, I recommend visiting this museum during your visit to Quito.
