Ecuador Unveils Process for Selecting New National Museum Design

Ecuador's Public Company of Housing and Urban Development (EP) has outlined the technical evaluation methodology for the final stage of selecting a design for the new National Museum of Ecuador. This structured approach aims to ensure transparency, prioritize technical merit, and incorporate citizen input into the decision-making process.

Nine finalist teams have advanced to this crucial phase, with the deadline for confirming participation set for July 15, 2026. The EP stressed that this methodology adheres to contractual obligations and ensures a rigorous evaluation process to choose the proposal that will shape a significant cultural landmark for the country.

A technical jury, composed of architects Mathieu de Genot, Christian Wiese, and Lu Junliang, along with museography specialist Fernanda Ponce, will meticulously assess the projects. Their evaluation will focus on six key criteria: conceptual and architectural quality, urban and landscape integration, programmatic and functional resolution, museographic concept integration, technical viability, sustainability, accessibility, and graphic quality. The jury's assessment will carry a substantial 85% weight in the final scoring, underscoring the emphasis on professional and technical excellence.

Following the technical jury's review, the top three proposals will proceed to a public participation phase. From July 17 to July 18, 2026, these projects will be published online, allowing citizens to review them and express their preferences. This citizen engagement will contribute 15% to the overall score, reinforcing the project's legitimacy and ensuring it resonates with the public. The EP is committed to a transparent selection process for the future National Museum of Ecuador.