Church, Convent, and School of the Company of Jesus

It is not precisely a museum or art gallery, but it is worth mentioning due to its importance; it is located in what once was the School of the Company of Jesus.

Very important cultural events are held here, like art, sculpture, and photography exhibitions.

It is part of the itinerary for many visitors to the Colonial City, who always find valuable reasons inside the facility to visit it.

It is distinguished for its accessibility and offers facilities to exhibit art work. The inner part is elegantly preserved and restored, which makes it delightful to walk through its halls.

The history of this place goes back to 1582, when the School was founded, its distribution is attributed to Francisco Fernández Fuentes. It housed a reduced group of religious men known for their high intellectual level.

They dedicated themselves to teaching; among them was the illustrious Rafael Landívar. The Jesuits were expelled by royal command and the building was left completely empty. Later the magnificent structures of the church were destroyed during the earthquake of Santa Marta and, with it, part of the School as well.

Location in La Antigua Guatemala

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Later on it was used as a market until 1976, when another earthquake occurred.

Time went by and it became a handcraft market, but later, in 1992, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation acquires the commitment of restoring the facilities in exchange of taking the School for an International Formation Center.

The first subject taught was history, in 1995, marking the beginning of the teaching activities in the Center.

Cultural activity in La Antigua Guatemala has increased and with more participations each time. Now it is usual to have, in the original atrium of the church, in front of the School, readings, plays, and poetry reciting.