Background

Guam Institute: A Window to Guam's Past

3.5 (4)

Explore Guam's past at the Guam Institute, a beautifully restored historical landmark in the heart of Hagåtña.

The Guam Institute, also known as the Jose P. Lujan House, stands as a testament to Guam's history. Built in 1911, it served as one of the island's first private schools and a center of social activity in Hagåtña before WWII. Today, it's a preserved historical site offering insights into Guam's architectural and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Guam Institute

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Guam Institute.

  • Check the Guam Preservation Trust's website for information on special events, workshops, and guided tours.
  • Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and more personal interaction with the staff.
  • Explore the surrounding area of Hagåtña, which offers additional historical landmarks and scenic views.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Agana Boat Basin

Agana Boat Basin: A Waterfront Hub with History

Guam Gold Star Families Memorial

Honoring Sacrifice: A Journey Through the Guam Gold Star Families Memorial

Japanese Caves

Japanese Caves of Guam

Unlock the Best of Guam Institute

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Plaza de España in central Hagåtña, head east on Route 1 (also known as Marine Corps Drive). Walk for approximately 0.5 miles, then turn left onto Padre Palomo Street. Continue for about 0.2 miles; the Guam Institute will be on your right at 157 Padre Palomo Street. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the Hagåtña Pool Terminal, take a Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) bus heading towards the northern part of the island. Check the bus schedule, as services may be infrequent. Get off at the bus stop closest to the intersection of Route 1 and Padre Palomo Street. Walk south on Padre Palomo Street for about 0.2 miles to reach the Guam Institute at 157 Padre Palomo Street. A one-way bus fare is $2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Hagåtña, but ride-hailing apps are also recommended. A taxi ride from the A.B. Won Pat International Airport to the Guam Institute is approximately 5km. The estimated fare is $0. Please note that these are only estimates.

Discover more about Guam Institute

The Guam Institute, or Jose P. Lujan House, offers a glimpse into Guam's pre-war era. Constructed in 1911 by Jose Pangelinan Lujan, a Chamorro carpenter and cabinet maker, the building blends traditional Spanish mamposteria construction with American-introduced materials. The two-story structure initially served as a general store and rental housing for U.S. Naval officers, reflecting Guam's transition from Spanish to American rule.From 1928 to 1941, the building housed the Guam Institute, one of the island's most successful private schools. The school educated many future Guam leaders until the Japanese invasion in December 1941. The building suffered damage during WWII and from later typhoons but was restored in the 1980s and again in 2010.Today, the Guam Preservation Trust manages the site, with the upper floor serving as their offices and the lower floor used for community events and exhibits. Visitors can explore the building's architecture and learn about its role in Guam's social and educational history. The Guam Institute stands as a reminder of Guam's resilience and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Explore the best of what Guam Institute has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Southern Guam

File:Cetti Bay Overlook.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Discover Southern Guam: A serene escape rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks, offering a unique and authentic island experience.

Tell me more about Southern Guam

Honoring Chief Quipuha, a Chamorro leader who shaped Guam's history. A landmark of cultural significance in Hagåtña.

Chief Quipuha Statue

Discover Guam's beauty and history at Agana Boat Basin: scenic waterfront, cultural insights, and tranquil relaxation in Hagåtña.

Agana Boat Basin

Select Currency