National Palace of Culture

One of the most impressive neoclassical buildings in Nicaragua, Managua’s National Palace of Culture is home to the National Museum, the National Archives, and the National Library. In the capital’s Plaza de la Revolución, the grand building was commissioned by President Sacasa and was built in 1931. 
Home to the Nicaraguan parliament for over 50 years, on the night of August 22, 1978, left-wing Sandinista revolutionaries stormed the National Palace and overthrew the Somoza dictatorship, ending the palace’s role as the seat of the Nicaraguan parliament almost overnight.
Flanked by the Old Cathedral of Managua and the famous Gran Hotel, the National Palace was renovated in 1994. On a visit, discover its palm-lined courtyard and check out the National Museum, which shows temporary art exhibitions and exhibits that range from palaeontological finds to earthquake exhibits. 

Practical Info

On Plaza de la Revolución, to get to the National Palace of Culture from downtown Managua, it’s best to hail a taxi and ask for the “Palacio Nacional.” The museum is open from 8am - 5pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm on weekends. Entrance costs C$80 for non-Nicaraguans.