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National Palace of Culture

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Historical site
—°3
National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)

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The National Palace of Culture, also known as the Palacio Nacional, is one of the most imposing buildings in Guatemala City, situated on the northern side of the Central Plaza. It was constructed between 1939 and 1943 during the presidency of General Jorge Ubico Castañeda. The building's architecture is eclectic, blending Spanish Renaissance and Neoclassical styles with Baroque influences. Due to the characteristic greenish hue of the stone used in its construction, it is colloquially known as El Guacamolón. The interior features grand halls, monumental murals by Alberto Gálvez Suárez depicting Guatemalan history, and intricate stained-glass windows. Originally built as the seat of government, it now functions as a museum and a venue for state ceremonies. A significant feature is Kilometer Zero, located inside the palace, which serves as the starting point for measuring all highway distances in the country.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C192122232322212121201919
Rain mm571241163225172223243191438

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The National Palace of Culture is a public building that can be visited on guided tours. The inner courtyard and some reception rooms are accessible.
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Typical hours
The palace is typically open for guided tours Tuesday through Sunday late morning. Mondays are usually closed, and access may be restricted on holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas of the palace without flash. In some halls, photography may be restricted.
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Time needed
A guided tour of the palace takes about one hour. Those wanting to explore the surroundings and the square in front should allow one and a half hours.
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Combine with
The palace is located on the central Parque Central square, which also houses the Guatemala City Cathedral. Nearby are the National Museum of Archaeology and the Central Market.
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Getting there
The palace is in the historic center of Guatemala City, accessible on foot, by taxi, or bus. Parking in the area is limited.
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Insider tip
Join a guided tour to better understand the palace's history and architecture. Entry is usually free or for a small donation.

History & landmarks

1939

Geography

Coordinates
14.64330, -90.51330

Facts

  • The construction of the palace took exactly four years (1939–1943).
  • It contains a total of 350 rooms across 8,890 square meters.
  • The original construction cost was approximately 2.8 million Quetzales.
  • Kilometer Zero of the national highway system is located inside.
  • The murals inside were painted by artist Alberto Gálvez Suárez.
  • The building was officially declared a national monument in 1980.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Metropolitan CathedralMetropolitan Cathedral<1 km · NExplore →
General Cemetery of Guatemala CityGeneral Cemetery of Guatemala City2 km · SExplore →
Guatemala Auto Parts MfgGuatemala Auto Parts Mfg3 km · NExplore →
Altar de SacrificiosAltar de Sacrificios3 km · SWExplore →
KaminaljuyuKaminaljuyu4 km · SExplore →
Laguna ChichojLaguna Chichoj5 km · NExplore →
San Francisco de CampecheSan Francisco de Campeche6 km · SWExplore →
Guatemala Poultry ProcessingGuatemala Poultry Processing7 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Palace of Culture (3)

Carrera Theater (Guatemala)📍 landmark

Historic theater in Guatemala City, known for its architecture and cultural events.

National Palace (Guatemala)📍 landmark

Government building in Guatemala City, with historical and political significance.

Guatemala City📍 landmark

Capital of Guatemala, cultural and economic center of the country.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the palace?
Yes, guided tours through the magnificent halls are possible.
What is there to see?
Architectural details, murals, and historical exhibits.
Where is the building located?
Right in the historical center of Guatemala City at the main square.
Are photos allowed?
Yes, photos are permitted in most public areas.
Do you need a ticket?
A fee is often charged for foreign visitors.
National Palace of Culture: where is it located?
National Palace of Culture is located in Guatemala.
National Palace of Culture: what is there to see?
Highlights include Carrera Theater (Guatemala), National Palace (Guatemala), Guatemala City.
National Palace of Culture: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
National Palace of Culture: why is it worth visiting?
The National Palace of Culture, also known as the Palacio Nacional, is one of the most imposing buildings in Guatemala City, situated on the northern side of the Central Plaza.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Cathedral of San Jose — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
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Historic cathedral in Antigua Guatemala.
Semuc Champey — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
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A natural monument with turquoise limestone pools in the jungle.
El Mirador — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
El Mirador
Ancient Maya city featuring one of the largest pyramids in the world.
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San Felipe Castle
Spanish fortress on the Rio Dulce.
Livingston — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
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Coastal town with a unique Garifuna culture.

Nature

Lake Atitlán — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Lake Atitlán
A breathtaking crater lake surrounded by three volcanoes and Maya villages.
Lake Izabal — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Lake Izabal
The largest lake in Guatemala.
Motagua River — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Motagua River
The longest river in Guatemala.

More places

Kaminaljuyu — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
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Ancient Maya site located within modern Guatemala City.
Pacaya Volcano — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
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An active volcano near Antigua, popular for lava hiking.
Mixco Viejo — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Mixco Viejo
Former capital of the Pocomam Maya people.
Aguateca — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Aguateca
Maya site known for its strategic location on a limestone bluff.
Acatenango Volcano — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Acatenango Volcano
A stratovolcano often hiked to watch the erupting Fuego volcano.
Fuego Volcano — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Fuego Volcano
One of Central America's most active volcanoes, near Antigua.
Volcan de Fuego — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Volcan de Fuego
One of the most active volcanoes in Central America.
Iximche — National Palace of Culture (Guatemala)
Iximche
Maya archaeological site and former capital of the Kaqchikel.