Museo de las Conceptas
A Large Collection of Religious Art

Cuenca's oldest colonial, built in 1559, is now the Museo de las Conceptas (the Museum of Religious Art), although the full name is Museo del Monasterio de las Conceptas. The main theme of the art in this museum is the Virgin Mother.

The Building's History

The Order of the Pure Conception started in Spain in 1557. In 1599, a woman in Cuenca donated a house to the order.

Construction of a convent began in 1682, and was completed in 1686. The order added an infirmary in 1875.

After restoration, the building re-opened in 1986 as the Museo de las Conceptas. It has 18 exhibition halls, each with a different theme. Each hall's collection is permanent, except for the final hall, which displays temporary exhibitions.

The Treasures Inside

This ancient cloistered convent houses two stories of sculpture, paintings and incredibly elaborate pieces of religious art.

The themes are the virgin birth and the crucifixion of Christ.

The collection represents parts of dowries donated to the order during its 400 years of existence.

We weren't allowed to photograph any of the art itself, so you'll have to be content with photos of the building.

Location and Hours

Museo de las Conceptas is located at Hermano Miguel (often written Hno Miguel) 6-33, between Presidente Córdova and Juan Jaramillo. It's actually the entire block bounded by Hermano Miguel, Presidente Córdova, Borrero and Juan Jaramillo.

You could easily walk past the entrance of this museum. It's very unassuming. Keep an eye out for the blue sign that says "Museo del Monasterio de las Conceptas."

Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.. Saturdays and holidays, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Guides are available to take you through the museum.

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