Quito’s National Museum Design Competition Sparks Controversy and Resignations

A design competition for Ecuador’s new National Museum (MuNA) in Quito has ignited significant public controversy, leading to the resignations of key figures within the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. The selection of “Echos del Sol,” a design by Madrid-based Studio Campo Baeza and Ecuadorian firm MAODA, has drawn widespread criticism from the public and sparked a petition demanding a reversal of the decision.

Initial excitement surrounding the announcement of the winning design for the $100 million flagship museum on July 6 quickly turned to public dissent. The design, conceived as a “box of light and shadow,” features a stark, minimalist concrete structure rising from La Carolina Park. This aesthetic has been met with derision, with many online critics comparing it to mundane objects and creating memes that ridicule its appearance.

Key Figures Resign Amidst Backlash

The controversy escalated rapidly following the announcement. On July 9, Ecuador’s Vice Minister of Culture and Heritage, Romina Muñoz, resigned from her position. This was followed by the resignation of MuNA’s executive director, Carlos Eduardo Montalvo Puente. While the Ecuadorian government has not officially confirmed the reasons for these departures, Muñoz’s resignation came after she publicly defended the winning design, stating, “This goes beyond aesthetic preferences.” Her comment was perceived by critics as dismissive of public opinion and artistic merit.

The public’s discontent stems from several core concerns. A prominent petition, which has garnered nearly 20,000 signatories, outlines three main points of contention: a perceived lack of integration with La Carolina Park and inadequate landscaping, a failure to connect with Ecuador’s “national identity,” and a lack of transparency in both technical and financial aspects of the competition process.

Jury Member’s Past Controversies

Adding another layer to the ongoing debate is the involvement of Alejandro Zaero-Polo as one of the competition jurors. Zaero-Polo’s tenure as dean of Princeton School of Architecture was previously marked by allegations of misogyny and racism, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by those scrutinizing the current competition’s integrity.

Competition Details and Alternatives

The competition attracted 148 initial applicants from over 20 countries, with 17 advancing to the final phase. Studio Campo Baeza and MAODA’s “Echos del Sol” was chosen over two other finalists. Second place was awarded to Barcelona-based B720 Arquitectos and Lera for their design titled “Typography of Memory,” which features a low-lying structure with dynamic shadow lines and a facade incorporating glazing and opaque massing. The third place design, “Living Strata,” by SANAA, Caá Porá Arquitectura, Estudio A0, Jerome Haferd Studio, and Taller Capital Landscape, draws inspiration from pre-Columbian and post-Columbian cultures, aiming to celebrate diversity, unity, and connection with the cosmos. Social media reception indicates that these latter two designs have been met with more positive public sentiment.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, who had previously championed the museum project, has reportedly distanced himself from the current situation, according to sources close to the controversy. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture has been contacted for comment. Construction for the new museum is slated to begin in 2027, with MuNA currently housed in the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana building.

This ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between architectural vision, public perception, and institutional accountability in major cultural projects. The outcome of the petition and further governmental response will be crucial in determining the future of Ecuador’s National Museum.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Project | National Museum of Ecuador (MuNA) flagship |
| Winning Design | “Echos del Sol” by Studio Campo Baeza and MAODA |
| Estimated Cost | $100 million |
| Key Controversies | Public criticism of design aesthetics, perceived lack of national identity connection, transparency concerns, juror’s past controversies |
| Key Departures | Romina Muñoz (Vice Minister of Culture and Heritage), Carlos Eduardo Montalvo Puente (MuNA Executive Director) |
| Timeline | Construction slated to break ground in 2027 |

This development is significant for architecture enthusiasts and urban planners as it underscores the growing public engagement with large-scale architectural projects and the challenges of balancing innovative design with community expectations and cultural resonance. The controversy surrounding the MuNA competition serves as a case study in the importance of transparent processes and public consultation in the realm of public architecture.

Source: The Architect’s Newspaper, https://www.archpaper.com/2026/07/controversy-national-museum-ecuador-alberto-campo-baeza/

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