Guam Institute Travel Guide

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.