National Museum of Contemporary Art "Carlos Merida", located in Guatemala City, was named in honor of the Guatemalan painter and graphic artist Carlos Merida.

The original building of this museum was built as a hall for President General Jorge Ubico in 1930. The beautiful and rich building, decorated in colonial style, it became a museum in 1975 and today operates as a gallery of the Ministry of Culture. The history of the National Museum of Modern Art has its roots from the first works of Guatemalan artists, whose works are exhibited in the National Museum of History and Fine Arts.

The building itself is a kind of museum exhibit. Numerous arches and pillars gives it a special flavor. Inside, the interior is made of natural white wood, center, coffered ceiling of each room hangs a massive wrought-iron chandeliers.

The exposition of the museum is a collection of various paintings and sculptures of Central America, covering all periods of modern art - from romanticism to cubism. It hosts temporary exhibitions. One of the most interesting exhibits is a concrete wall with the image of hands and faces. The museum presents the work of contemporary Guatemalan artists - Carlos Valente and Humberto Garavito.

Museum staff conduct tours, lectures and consultations for students and tourists.