Guam Institute: A Window to Guam's Past

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Explore Guam's heritage at the Guam Institute, a beautifully restored pre-WWII landmark in Hagåtña, showcasing the island's rich history and culture.

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Guam Institute

The Guam Institute, also known as the Jose P. Lujan House, stands as a significant historical landmark in Hagåtña. Built in 1911, it housed the Guam Institute, the island's first private school, from 1928 to 1941 and is a reminder of pre-war Guam. Today, it serves as a tangible link to Old Hagåtña, showcasing the island's architectural heritage and cultural evolution.

A brief summary to Guam Institute

157 Padre Palomo Street, Padre Palomo St, Hagåtña, 96910, GU
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Local tips

Visit during the week for a quieter experience.
Check the schedule for special events or workshops.
Take advantage of guided tours for deeper insights.

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Getting There

Walking

From the center of Hagåtña at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park, head east on Route 1 (Marine Corps Drive). Walk for about 0.5 miles until you reach Padre Palomo Street. Turn left onto Padre Palomo Street and walk approximately 0.2 miles. The Guam Institute is located at 157 Padre Palomo Street on your right. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport

From the Hagåtña Pool Terminal, take a bus that heads towards the northern part of the island. Check the bus schedule, as services may not be frequent. Alight at the bus stop nearest to the intersection of Route 1 and Padre Palomo Street. Walk south on Padre Palomo Street for about 0.2 miles to find the Guam Institute at 157 Padre Palomo Street on your right. Bus fare is typically between $2 and $4.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available at hotels and major shopping centers. A taxi ride from the A.B. Won Pat International Airport to the Guam Institute is approximately 4 miles and costs around $24-$30. The standard flag rate is $2.40, $4.00 for the first mile, and $0.80 every ¼ mile thereafter.

Discover more about Guam Institute

The Guam Institute, or Jose P. Lujan House, offers a glimpse into Guam's rich history and cultural heritage. Constructed in 1911 by Jose Pangelinan Lujan, a Chamorro carpenter, the building combines traditional Spanish construction with American-influenced design. The house is one of the few remaining pre-World War II structures in Hagåtña.Initially, Lujan rented the house to U.S. Naval officers before converting the ground floor into a general store and the upper floor into apartments. From 1928 to 1941, it housed the Guam Institute, the island's first successful private school. The school was founded by Nieves M. Flores, and many of its students went on to become prominent leaders in Guam. The building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1977.Today, the Guam Preservation Trust occupies the building, ensuring its preservation and use for cultural purposes. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail Guam's history, from its ancient Chamorro roots to its colonial past and the impact of World War II. The building serves as a gathering space for the community, fostering cultural pride and identity.