Mindalae Museum: a Solar Building
Luis Miguel Campos, Writer
In Quito, there is a museum that stands out for its vast collection of handicrafts, primarily from the Amazon but also from across Ecuador. What truly captivates visitors is its unique museography, carefully designed to reflect the anthropological characteristics of each culture.
The building itself was purposefully constructed to capture the equinox light through skylights that illuminate a ceremonial hall where ancient Indigenous rituals take place. Numerous exhibition rooms showcase both daily life and mythology, highlighting a rich, endemic spirituality.
Mindalae: a cultural gem in Quito
The architecture of the Mindalae Museum is deeply inspired by the cosmology of Ecuador’s ancestral peoples. Its spiral design symbolizes the eternal movement of time and space—the waves of the sea representing the continuity of life, the terraced mountains reflecting the wisdom of resource management.
Sunlight from the equatorial line enters each of the museum’s five floors through a central eye of light, a symbolic homage to the sun. Twice a year, on March 21st and September 21st, the sun shines directly over Quito, marking the Andean solar year and celebrating this celestial event.
The architectural design of the Mindalae Museum was created by architect Arquitecto Fernando Hinojosa, while the museography was developed by artists Horacio Araya and Santiago de la Torre.
Watch the interview with Fernando Hinojosa.
Over a decade as one of Ecuador’s top tourist destinations.
Inaugurated in 2007 by the Sinchi Sacha Foundation, the Mindalae Museum has become one of Ecuador’s most important cultural landmarks. Its significance lies not only in its fascinating exhibitions showcasing Ecuadorian handicrafts but also in its deep exploration of the diverse worldviews of the cultures that create them.
Culture and ancestral knowledge
Mindalae invites visitors to explore the cultural richness and ancestral knowledge of Ecuador’s Indigenous communities. Through its exhibits, the museum reveals how traditions, craftsmanship, and cosmovisions have shaped the country’s identity.
A place where art and history converge, Mindalae is an essential destination for those seeking a deeper connection with Ecuador’s cultural roots.
The Artisans
At Mindalae, we collaborate with talented Indigenous artisans from the Amazon, Andes, and Coast, each representing the cultural richness and diversity of their communities.
Our commitment goes beyond preserving cultural identity and ancestral traditions—we also promote artistic freedom and innovation. Through their creations, these artisans weave together heritage, creativity, and contemporary expression.
Mindalae: a must-visit destination in Quito
Mindalae is a unique initiative dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Ecuadorian handicrafts. Across its five floors, visitors can explore the rich artisanal traditions of various Indigenous nations, each safeguarding their cultural heritage and knowledge.
The name Mindalae is inspired by pre-Columbian traders who traveled across regions, carrying salt, spices, local goods, goldsmithing, and textiles, fostering cultural exchange.
Mindalae’s primary mission is to support small artisans across Ecuador, ensuring their craftsmanship is valued both culturally and economically.
Experience the magic of the equinox at Mindalae
On March 21st each year, the sun shines directly over Quito, and its rays enter the Mindalae Museum through a central eye of light, illuminating all five floors. This phenomenon sets the stage for traditional Andean rituals, celebrating the harmony between nature and ancestral knowledge.
With its spiral design symbolizing the eternal movement of time and space, the museum embodies the cycles of nature—the ocean waves representing the continuity of life, the terraced mountains reflecting resourceful wisdom, and the omnipresent influence of the sun at the Equator.
