Winning design for a new National Museum sparks public outrage and is rejected by the government

Following intense public criticism, Ecuador Infrastructure Minister Roberto Luque has rejected the winning design for the new National Museum of Ecuador in Quito. “We have listened to what the people are saying and we agree with you,” Luque said. “The proposed design for the museum is not what Ecuador needs.” The winning design for Ecuador’s new National Museum that was rejected by the government on Friday. Chosen by the national College of Architects, the design submitted by Campo Baeza + MAODA was met with overwhelming rejection in news and social media. Typical of public reaction were comments by Quito architect Nivaldo Suarez in a Thursday radio interview. “For a symbol of the country’s heritage, this plan falls flat,” he said, adding that only someone who considers a “box to be a work of art” can appreciate the design. “It is Bauhaus without the inspiration.” The winning design, called the Eco del Sol project by Campo Baeza + MAODA, was developed by a team of Ecuadorian and Spanish architects. Construction of the $100 million museum is scheduled to begin in early 2027. The entry to the new National Museum proposed by the College of Architects. Luque thanked the College of Architects for its efforts but said he agrees that the design selected is inadequate. “Sometimes the voice of the people and the wisdom of the people must prevail for a structure that projects the national image,” he said. “I share the conviction that the museum must respond to the spirit and feeling of the city of Quito and country of Ecuador. We deserve more than what has been presented.” Luque said that he will convene a panel of “experts and officials” as soon as possible to choose a new design for the museum. He did not say if the other designs submitted to the College of Architects will be reconsidered. Cultural Ministry officials and members of the College of Architects reacted angrily to Luque’s decision, calling it a violation of an agreement reached early this year. “We have spent months in this process, including the call for designs and careful consideration by internationally respected professionals in the architectural profession,” said Deputy Culture Minister Romina Muñoz. “To throw out the work of a panel of world class experts considering specialized criteria, beyond aesthetic considerations, is an outrage.” A member of the College of Architects who asked not to be identified said the selection team is “devastated” by the government’s decision. “It is a very sad day when they turn this decision over to the riff raff of the social media,” he said. The post Winning design for a new National Museum sparks public outrage and is rejected by the government appeared first on CuencaHighLife.