Museo del Libro Antiguo (Museum of the Ancient Book), Antigua

The Museum of the Ancient Book (Museo del Libro Antiguo) in Antigua offers a unique glimpse into the history and evolution of printing in Guatemala. Established in 1956, this museum resides in a building of historic significance, as it housed the first printing press in Antigua Guatemala. The museum was founded by Rigoberto Azmitia and David Vela, with the initial collections donated by Arturo Taracena and David Vela.

The museum is structured into four exhibition rooms that highlight the development of printing during colonial times. Among its treasures, it houses the first book printed in Guatemala, the "Explicato Apologética" (I Explain Apologetics) by Fray Payo Enríquez de Rivera, produced in 1663 by José de Pineda Ibarra. Another notable exhibit includes a 1753 print, "Arte de la lengua metropolitana del reino cakchiquel o guatemálico" (Art of the metropolitan language of the Guatemalan Kingdom) by Ildefonso Joseph Flores, printed by Sebastián Arévalo. Additionally, the museum showcases a 1714 chronicle from the San Francisco convent's workshop titled "Chronicle of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of Guatemala" by Friar Francisco Vazquez.

The museum also displays an assortment of bibles in various languages, alongside lithographic stones. One highlight is a replica of the first printing press used in Guatemala, acquired in November 1964, with plans provided by UNE. The first exhibition room provides visitors with an introduction to the arrival and impact of the printing press in Guatemala. The museum also presents a collection of colonial university documents known as "Tarja".

Overall, the Museo del Libro Antiguo not only preserves but also celebrates the rich history of bookmaking and printing in Guatemala, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the cultural and historical fabric of the region.