museo casa del tejido

I had visited Antigua before and had traveled through Guatemala in the late 1980s. The hazards of travel in this wonderful country have increased since then (although the civil war had its own hazards in those days), and many travelers no longer venture beyond Antigua and Panajachel. This small but wonderful museum, wonderfully guided by the small staff, takes one into the countryside and history via textiles and weavings. It is everything I have always loved about small museums. I've seen many weavings in this beautiful country but never really looked at the differences until the guide educated us. I am not a textile freak as some other reviewers are, but I appreciate the artform. Anyone who appreciates the effort and pride that goes into genuine local artwork will enjoy the vast collection of weavings used in different towns and areas. If you have never seen the countryside in Guatemala, or if you have time only for a brief visit to the main sites, fit this little museum into your trip. It is like a trip around the country. By the way, the two teens I brought with me also loved it. Not a common event when it comes to visiting museums with their father who moves too slowly through museums.

You can't come to the Casa del Tejido without enrolling in one of their weaving classes - at least I wouldn't since the tour itself is very dry even if the textiles themselves are impressive. You have two options for weaving classes - fully learning how to do a backstrap loom or just making a small bracelet. If you are there over a meal time they will cater food for you. The staff is very helpful and friendly, even if they can't all agree on the right way to weave. Even though this is a bit of a walk from the city center, I highly recommend it.

It is an unpretentious place but all the information you'll get here makes it very interesting. I've decided to shop only after my visit to the museum and it paid off.I've learned the difference between all types of handmade stuff from every village. After the visit you will be able to make conscious shopping decisions. Besides, they have the best choices right there.

A very impressive museum with examples of current and past art pieces displayed together. From Steuben to antiquity examples compared. As well as church art for history

This is an excellent museum, displaying many, many huipiles, the most I saw anywhere. There are also dioramas with mannequins dressed in the traditional styles, exhibiting the cultural lives of the indigenous peoples. Wonderful.

Lovely little museum (I am a textile addict)..They charge an extra Q25 if you want to take photos...It is a bit out of the way (near the Recolecion)..I had walked by it the day before an thought it was abandoned....We were the only ones there...We did get the "come to my church" speech..But I found him less forward than some I have encountered...Still the museum is sweet..if you are not into textiles, then I would skip it.

See a weaver using the back strap loom and view the garments from different communities. You tour guide speaks English. There are a large variety of items for purchase, some not seen in other stores, but on the other hand you may see more variety of some items in other stores. Definitely know your prices before buying here, bargain for the price or pay whatever just to support them.

I'd seen this place for two years but never ventured in—had no idea what I was missing! For a dollar or two you can get a guided tour (in English or Spanish) of their beautiful textiles from all over Guatemala. It's not as fancy or complete as the textile museum in Guatemala City, but well worth the visit.

The exhibits are quite interesting, because you learn about the different customs and textiles for regions in Guatemala. The museum's collection of ancient weavings is HUGE! And you can shop without being constantly hassled. I found the tour guide very informative and he didn't do any preaching! I agree that you should see this museum at the beginning of your trip to have a better understanding of the culture. And plan to spend a bit of time, it is vast! Very small entry fee; big bang for the buck.

This is a such a good little gem, tucked away in the North West corner of Antigua. If you're interested in textiles or craft or history, it is very much worth the visit. If you're looking for entertainment or not to be "saved", maybe not so much for you.The backstrap looms can produce pretty amazing work, and here there are rooms dedicated to each regional variation. Yes, as other reviewers noted, the guide will try to bring you to Jesus because his depraved soul was saved once, but what's wrong with that? He's fine. He gave up on me pretty quickly because I said "awwww gracias" and started to laugh uncontrollably. He got awkward and then offered one of the young mothers to show me the right way to fold a baby into a traditional cargadore. Fun afternoon.

The museum consist of two sections. The non-commercial part has all the regions of Guatemala clearly posted. In this section everything is covered with an inch of dust. The main section of the museum is devoted to selling and it is sparkling clean and completely free of dust. The quality of most of the merchandise is very high. I thought the prices were pretty good. One of the museum guides was trying to invite us to his church; it felt a little awkward.

I wish I'd toured this museum at the start of my trip instead of the conclusion because it gives you such insight on the textile production of Guatemala and the role it plays in the Mayan culture. My English-speaking tour guide was very well-informed and pleasant and answered all my many questions. The textiles are outstanding and they do have a very large selection for purchase as well.

We found the museo to be a reasonably interesting way to spend an hour or so, but we very much resented our evangelical guide's attempts to save our souls and bring us to Jesus. It was totally inappropriate, so from now on we will steer our guests away from the place. No one should have to pay to be harassed by a street preacher.

FOr less than $5 (I paid extra so I could take photos), I had a delightful tour in Spanish (they offered English as well) and the guide spoke very slowly for me so I could work on my Spanish. The textiles are fantastic! If I understood correctly, the museum is run by a collective of women dedicated to preserving and sharing the distinct weaving culture of Guatemala. I spent way too much money on gifts to take home, and I am sure I would have gotten better deals elsewhere, but I am partial to collectives and supporting good causes like paying a decent wage. Yes, some of the displays are a bit dusty. It is a developing nation! It is not the Smithsonian people!

This textile museum is pretty interesting, especially if you have not had the opportunity to see the making and varieties of Guatemalan textiles elsewhere in the country. It is not fancy, but it is visually stimulating. I am glad we went and I am not much of a clothing enthusiast. Go, you will enjoy it. There is a small fee, but this is the only museum run totally by indigenous folk. So, I'm glad to give them my money. Buy something while you're there.