Museo del Libro Antiguo (Museum of the Ancient Book), Antigua
The Museum of the Ancient Book (Museo del Libro Antiguo) in Antigua offers a unique glimpse into the history and evolution of printing in Guatemala. Established in 1956, this museum resides in a building of historic significance, as it housed the first printing press in Antigua Guatemala. The museum was founded by Rigoberto Azmitia and David Vela, with the initial collections donated by Arturo Taracena and David Vela.
The museum is structured into four exhibition rooms that highlight the development of printing during colonial times. Among its treasures, it houses the first book printed in Guatemala, the "Explicato Apolog茅tica" (I Explain Apologetics) by Fray Payo Enr铆quez de Rivera, produced in 1663 by Jos茅 de Pineda Ibarra. Another notable exhibit includes a 1753 print, "Arte de la lengua metropolitana del reino cakchiquel o guatem谩lico" (Art of the metropolitan language of the Guatemalan Kingdom) by Ildefonso Joseph Flores, printed by Sebasti谩n Ar茅valo. Additionally, the museum showcases a 1714 chronicle from the San Francisco convent's workshop titled "Chronicle of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of Guatemala" by Friar Francisco Vazquez.
The museum also displays an assortment of bibles in various languages, alongside lithographic stones. One highlight is a replica of the first printing press used in Guatemala, acquired in November 1964, with plans provided by UNE. The first exhibition room provides visitors with an introduction to the arrival and impact of the printing press in Guatemala. The museum also presents a collection of colonial university documents known as "Tarja".
Overall, the Museo del Libro Antiguo not only preserves but also celebrates the rich history of bookmaking and printing in Guatemala, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the cultural and historical fabric of the region.
The museum is structured into four exhibition rooms that highlight the development of printing during colonial times. Among its treasures, it houses the first book printed in Guatemala, the "Explicato Apolog茅tica" (I Explain Apologetics) by Fray Payo Enr铆quez de Rivera, produced in 1663 by Jos茅 de Pineda Ibarra. Another notable exhibit includes a 1753 print, "Arte de la lengua metropolitana del reino cakchiquel o guatem谩lico" (Art of the metropolitan language of the Guatemalan Kingdom) by Ildefonso Joseph Flores, printed by Sebasti谩n Ar茅valo. Additionally, the museum showcases a 1714 chronicle from the San Francisco convent's workshop titled "Chronicle of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of Guatemala" by Friar Francisco Vazquez.
The museum also displays an assortment of bibles in various languages, alongside lithographic stones. One highlight is a replica of the first printing press used in Guatemala, acquired in November 1964, with plans provided by UNE. The first exhibition room provides visitors with an introduction to the arrival and impact of the printing press in Guatemala. The museum also presents a collection of colonial university documents known as "Tarja".
Overall, the Museo del Libro Antiguo not only preserves but also celebrates the rich history of bookmaking and printing in Guatemala, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the cultural and historical fabric of the region.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Antigua. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Museo del Libro Antiguo (Museum of the Ancient Book) on Map
Sight Name: Museo del Libro Antiguo (Museum of the Ancient Book)
Sight Location: Antigua, Guatemala (See walking tours in Antigua)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Antigua, Guatemala (See walking tours in Antigua)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Antigua, Guatemala
Create Your Own Walk in Antigua
Creating your own self-guided walk in Antigua is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ancient Ruins of Antigua
In places like Antigua Guatemala, it feels as if a time machine has already been invented. This glorious ancient town breathes history in all its streets, houses, fountains, and courtyards, but above all the great ruins, which are impossible to miss against the impressive backdrop of Agua Volcano. The latter is responsible for these ruins in the first place, having caused a series of earthquakes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Antigua Museums
A combination of Spanish colonialism and Mayan culture has given rise to a wealth of heritage in Guatemala. The evidence of this is particularly visible in Antigua, a small town yet fascinating place to visit in Latin America. The local museums are well worth exploring for anyone wishing to learn about the country's history in general and some of its aspects in particular.
The Casa Santo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The Casa Santo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Antigua Introduction Walking Tour
Antigua, Guatemala, which is sometimes known as La Antigua, dates back to 1543. This city was the third capital of the Spanish colony. Surrounded by volcanoes, the city of Antigua is a small yet very picturesque example of Spanish colonial architecture. Jesuit and Franciscan orders have had a presence in this region since the 17th century, contributing to its rich colonial religious life.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles