If you are exploring Quito, Ecuador, the Gustavo Orcés V. Natural History Museum (known in Spanish as Museo de Historia Natural Gustavo Orcés V.) offers a fascinating look into the scientific heritage of the region. Established in 2005, this museum traces its roots back through centuries of scientific exploration and discovery across Ecuador.
When you visit, you learn about a rich legacy that began in the eighteenth century when European naturalists conducted scientific expeditions throughout the country, collecting valuable specimens of flora, fauna, rocks, and fossils. As you examine the history behind the collection, you will discover how Franz Spillmann assembled an early fossil collection in the twentieth century to create the Cabinet of Natural Sciences at the Central University. Furthermore, you will appreciate the foundational work of Robert Hoffstetter and Gustavo Orcés, who established the Department of Biology at the National Polytechnic School in 1946.
Their extensive paleontological expeditions, particularly across the Santa Elena peninsula, yielded critical findings. Ultimately, Hoffstetter’s thorough organization and extensive field research laid the groundwork for the modern museum you see today, making it a valuable stop for anyone interested in Ecuador's natural history and paleontological roots.
What to see at Gustavo Orcés V. Natural History Museum
- Learn about the museum's history following its founding in 2005.
- Discover the legacy of 18th-century European scientific expeditions collecting flora, fauna, rocks, and fossils.
- Trace Franz Spillmann's fossil collection originally assembled for the Cabinet of Natural Sciences.
- Explore findings from 1946 paleontological expeditions across the Santa Elena peninsula.
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate how Robert Hoffstetter's early paleontological work in the Santa Elena peninsula laid the foundation for the museum.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Gustavo Orcés V. Natural History Museum is easy to reach on Quito’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Cathedral of Quito and Basilica of the National Vow. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Quito travel guide.
See the full Quito travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.