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Casa del Jade: A Journey into Guatemala's Sacred Stone

Explore the history and artistry of Guatemalan jade at this unique cultural center, museum, and workshop in Antigua Guatemala.

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Casa del Jade in Antigua Guatemala is more than a jewelry store; it's a cultural center, museum, and workshop dedicated to the history, artistry, and spiritual significance of jade in Mayan culture. Visitors can explore exhibits, learn about jade carving, and purchase unique jade pieces.

A brief summary to Casa del Jade

  • Monday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Take a workshop to carve your own jade piece and create a unique souvenir.
  • Allow ample time to explore the museum exhibits and learn about the history of jade in Mayan culture.
  • Ask the knowledgeable staff about the different types of jade and their spiritual significance.
  • Casa del Jade is located inside a colonial house, called "El Jaulon", a two story yellow building at the corner of 4th street and 3rd avenue, only 1 block away from the Main Square.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Casa del Jade is located in Edificio El Jaulón, on 4a Calle Oriente, close to the city center. From the Parque Central, walk east along 4a Calle Oriente. Casa del Jade will be on your right, approximately one block from the park. Look for the two-story yellow building.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Antigua and offer a quick way to reach Casa del Jade. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey; a short ride from most points in central Antigua should cost around 15-20 GTQ. Ask the driver to take you to Edificio El Jaulón on 4a Calle Oriente.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be found at various points in Antigua. A short taxi ride within the city will likely cost around 52.5 GTQ, which includes a starting price of 27.5 GTQ and 5 GTQ per kilometer. Be sure to confirm the rate with the driver before you set off. Ask to be dropped off at Edificio El Jaulón on 4a Calle Oriente.

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Discover more about Casa del Jade

Casa del Jade, located in a colonial building in Antigua Guatemala, offers a captivating exploration into the world of Guatemalan jade. More than just a jewelry store, it serves as a cultural center, museum, and workshop, providing a multifaceted experience for visitors. Jade held immense significance for the Maya, Olmec, and Aztec civilizations, far exceeding the value of gold. They believed it represented eternity, fertility, and a connection to the afterlife, adorning their kings and priests with jade masks, rings, and pendants. Green jade, in particular, symbolized life-giving water, crops, and prosperity. Casa del Jade showcases this rich history through exhibits detailing jade's role in Mesoamerican cultures. The museum displays a variety of jade artifacts and explains the different types of jade found in Guatemala, including rare colors like jade luna, jade lila, jade celeste and jade negro. Visitors can witness skilled artisans crafting jade into jewelry and other objects, using techniques passed down through generations. For a hands-on experience, the Casa del Jade offers workshops where you can carve your own jade piece. Casa del Jade contributes to preserving and promoting Guatemalan jade, which was lost to the world for centuries after the Spanish conquest. The Spanish did not value jade as much as gold, so the location of the mines were kept secret by the Maya. The rediscovery of Guatemalan jade in recent decades has allowed artisans to revive ancient traditions and share the beauty and spiritual essence of this precious stone with the world.

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