Cooperación Española, Antigua, Guatemala — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Cooperación Española in Antigua Guatemala is a cultural centre housed in one of the city's most historically significant buildings: the former Convent of the Compañía de Jesús, a 17th-century Jesuit monastery. Like much of Antigua, the convent was severely damaged in the catastrophic earthquake of 1773, which led to the city's abandonment as Guatemala's capital. For over two centuries, the building lay partially in ruins. In 1998, the Spanish government restored it and repurposed it as a centre for cultural cooperation between Spain and Guatemala, a fitting second life for a building originally built by Spanish colonists. Today, the Cooperación Española hosts art exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, and educational workshops, many of them free. The restored colonial architecture, with its stone archways, courtyards, and thick walls, creates an atmosphere that balances the weight of history with the energy of contemporary culture. Located on 6a Avenida Norte, just a short walk from Parque Central, the centre is an easy stop on any exploration of Antigua. It's also a welcome contrast to the more tourist-heavy sites, offering a quieter space where you can engage with local art and culture. If you're on a Questo quest through Antigua, the Cooperación Española and its layered history, from Jesuit monastery to earthquake ruin to cultural hub, might hold a surprise or two.