Museo San Francisco Cultural Center 🇧🇴

When you step into the Museo San Francisco Cultural Center in La Paz, Bolivia, you encounter a historic sanctuary dedicated to preserving the city's arts and memories. The history of this convent and the Basilica of San Francisco is intimately woven into the story of La Paz itself. The original Franciscan convent was founded in 1549 by friars Francisco Morales and Francisco de Alcocer, built along the Choqueyapu River, which once separated the main town square from the Barrio de los Indios.

Today, following extensive restoration efforts completed between 1993 and 2005, you can explore the restored spaces of this national monument, including two levels of the ancient cloister, the ground-floor main cloister, exhibit halls, and the basilica choir. Inside, you will admire remarkable Baroque Mestizo religious art crafted by native artists. Highlights include 17th-century masterpieces such as Coronación de Espinas, La Crucifixión, and Virgen de Pomata, which showcases pre-Hispanic Andean royal plumes.

You can also view the 18th-century Milagro de las Manzanas and vibrant wall murals in a hall and the wine cellar, painted using natural pigments combined with egg and glue.

What to see at Museo San Francisco Cultural Center

• Explore two levels of the ancient cloister, the ground-floor main cloister, and the choir of the basilica.
• Admire 17th-century Baroque Mestizo paintings by native artists, including Coronación de Espinas and La Crucifixión.
• See the 17th-century Virgen de Pomata painting, featuring figures wearing pre-Hispanic Andean plumed crowns.
• Examine 17th and 18th-century murals in a hall and wine cellar, painted on stucco with natural pigments, egg, and glue.

Visiting tips

Take your time examining the intricate Baroque Mestizo details and indigenous artistic influences throughout the historic exhibit halls and cloisters.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Museo San Francisco Cultural Center is easy to reach on La Paz’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz, Bolivia and National Museum of Art, La Paz. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our La Paz travel guide.