Six Firms Vie for Ecuador National Museum Design Amidst Controversy

Six architectural studios have reaffirmed their interest in designing Ecuador's new National Museum (MuNa), following a renewed call for proposals. The Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Roberto Luque, confirmed that the Public Company for Housing and Urban Development is coordinating with these firms. A technical methodology for evaluating the projects and selecting a winner is set to be presented on July 14, 2026.

This latest phase of the competition follows the government's controversial decision to discard the original winning design, "Ecos del Sol," created by Spain's Campo Baeza studio and Ecuador's Maoda. This move generated significant backlash within the architectural and cultural communities, contributing to the resignation of Vice Minister of Culture, Romina Muñoz.

Despite the government's efforts to restart the process, several prominent firms have declined to participate in the new call. Najas Arquitectos, in collaboration with Arata Isozaki & Associates and MORF, formally announced their withdrawal, citing a lack of "clear conditions, rules, and necessary institutional guarantees." They emphasized that a project of this magnitude, with an estimated cost of $100 million, requires stable and verifiable regulations to ensure confidence in the selection process.

Architect Handel Guayasamín also confirmed his team's non-participation, publicly labeling the procedure a "sham" and urging the original 17 participating studios to refuse further involvement. The controversy highlights deep divisions among participants and raises questions about the transparency and integrity of the bidding process for this significant cultural landmark.

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Se va a elegir, junto a ustedes, un diseño que nos enorgullezca: un ícono de Quito y epicentro de la cultura del Ecuador.