This museum is located in the tower of the noria of Hacienda de Guadalupe, built in the 17 th century, set in a hollow of the surrounding hills, in the Pastita neighborhood.

In 1966, the couple Olga Costa (1914-1993) and José Chávez Morado (1909-2002), both artists, acquired this part of the estate to convert it into what would be their home and the Olga Costa's study, until 1990. That year, the artists decided to convert the tower into a museum which would carry both of their names.

The museum was donated together with their collections to the State Government. It was inaugurated on April 2, 1993.

The collection of the artists, numbering approximately 500 pieces, is made up of an interesting selection of furniture pieces and diverse objects, in addition to works of art by contemporary Mexican artists and the collection Mano a Mano ( Hand in Hand) of original work by the two artists.

Ground floor

1. Jardín. One of the most interesting spaces in terms of the adaptation of the house, this garden was chosen by the artists to be their final resting place.

2. Sala-Comedor. In the space of the former living and dining rooms, and along the wall of the staircase leading to the upper floor, is a collection of objects displayed in the way the artists would have had it when they lived here. In this area, one sees furniture and traditional ceramics of common use from Mexico and Europe, including porcelain, glazed earthenware, Talavera pottery and majolica. There are also embroideries, tapestries, glass vessels and other glass objects, Mexican and European, as well as woodcarvings, quilts, votive offerings, and popular Mexican masks. In addition, on display are several items of pre-Hispanic art from various cultures. In this interesting collection, pieces worthy of special attention include the Divina Infantita (Holy Infant Mary), a 19 th century figure, carved in polychrome, incarnadine wood, covered with silver filigree work, a true Mexican masterpiece; a 19 th century tapestry by an anonymous artist, embroidered in silk and wool with a still-life theme, originally from the state of Puebla; and the rare piece San Acasio Mártir, oil on plate, depicting soldier figures with the Mexican flag, artist and origin unknown.

High floor

1. Sala Tapices. The area that was the painter Olga Costa's studio and the bedrooms is dedicated now to temporary exhibitions of both established and young artists, mainly Mexican.

2. Salas Temporales. In spring, summer and winter, the collection Mano con Mano (Hand in Hand) is put on exhibition. This collection features almost 40 oil paintings, prints and drawings by Olga Costa and José Chávez Morado. Pieces of note by José Chávez Morado, an artist who was part of the second generation of Mexican muralists and an important promoter of culture, include México Negro, Autorretrato con Nana, Toldos, Carreta de locos and Nocturno en el atrio.

Museo de Arte Olga Costa-José Chávez Morado Pastita 158, Torre del Arco Barrio de Pastita Phone and fax: +52 (473) 731 0977 E-mail: museoolgacosta@guanajuato.gob.mx Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, 10:00 a 15:30 horas Tikets: $15.00 (Pesos)