20°C 
Convent Museum of San Francisco
Within the cloisters of this complex, the Franciscan Fathers established their school: the ‘San Andrés College of Art and Sculpture.’ Here, they taught the skills of sculpture and painting. Some of the works of art created in this school now adorn the myriad churches of the Andean capital, while the skill and knowledge of the indigenous sculptors led to the creation of ‘The Quito School of Art.’ The greatest exponents of this flowing mix of artistic styles were Caspicara, Legarda, Samaniego, Pampite and Rodriguez, among others.
A tranquil sanctuary divided by green quadrangled patios, the Fray Pedro Gocial Museum is housed among the cloisters and patios of this grand religious complex. It showcases one of the most important colonial and religious art collections in the Americas. Each of the six exhibition rooms share an impressive collection of religious sculpture, paintings, textiles and furniture dating from the 16th century and embodying some of the finest examples of the greatest artists of the Quito School of Art.
A host of wood carvings decorates each room, gilded in gold leaf, painted with stories, adorned in period cloths or delicately finished in fine porcelain. Mother of pearl glitters and reflects the incandescent light, while a thousand gold oysters glint and glow. Here, you can discover the works the native painters inspired by European engravings and admire Mateo Mejias’ signed canvas, dated 1615.
Go here for information on the Church of San Francisco (properly, the Church of San Pablo).
Useful Information
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday from 09h00 to 17h00, Sundays from 09h00 to 13h00
Address: Cuenca 477 y Sucre
Phone Number: (593 2) 295-2911
E-mail: museopedrogocial@hotmail.com
Web Site: www.museopedrogocial.com
Prices: Foreigners - Adults $ 2, Children $ 1
Ecuadorians: Adults $ 2, Students $1, Children and seniors $0.50
