The National Government of Ecuador, under President Daniel Noboa Azin, has allocated more than $3.3 million for the recovery and improvement of the country’s cultural infrastructure. This investment is part of a broader plan to renovate and strengthen museums, libraries, archives, cultural centers, and heritage reserves across Ecuador.
A key component of this initiative is the allocation of a 13,004.65 square meter plot for the construction of a new building for the Museo Nacional del Ecuador. The facility will be equipped with specialized technical conditions to safeguard the National Collection.
Currently, there is an open call for national and international architects with interdisciplinary teams to participate in the first stage of the architectural design competition.
The plan also includes maintenance and upgrades at several cultural institutions such as the Museo Antropológico y de Arte Contemporáneo (MAAC), Museo de Manta, Museo y Parque Arqueológico Pumapungo, Museo de Riobamba, Museo de la Memoria, museums in Bahía de Caráquez and Loja, as well as the Archivo Histórico Nacional and Biblioteca Nacional Eugenio Espejo. Maintenance work has also been carried out at Teatro Centro Cívico and at venues housing the symphony orchestras in Guayaquil and Loja.
In addition to physical improvements, the Ministry is developing a Collection Management System to organize and centralize historical, technical, and administrative information related to the National Collection.
International cooperation has played a role through collaboration with ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property). According to officials: “This alliance has enabled specialized training processes such as the First International Re-ORG Workshop aimed at those responsible for museum reserves nationwide.”
Another project promoted by the Ministry is Ludobibliotecas. As described: “The Ministry promotes the Ludobibliotecas project within the framework of the National Policy for Promoting Reading, Orality, and Access to Books (2024–2030).” So far 13 ludobibliotecas have opened across public spaces in Ecuador. These spaces are designed as playful learning environments for children and adolescents. The initiative is being implemented with Unidos por la Educación organization along with private sector support through tax incentives. There are plans to expand it throughout all 24 provinces in Ecuador.
