Combine a Trick Art Museum and H.R. Giger’s horrifically awesome world, and you might have something like the weirdest place in Ecuador.
Might go without saying, but this one is NSFW and not for the squeamish.
Hidden on the outskirts of Cuenca’s touristy center, the large-house-sized space is Eduardo Moscoso’s to decorate with decades of created art. First opened to the public in 1996, the space also serves as a place for performances and some drinks — come by at night for the best chance to see what’s going on there, or come by during the day for a more sedate look at everything.
Religious iconography and a ‘Day of the Dead’ mask? We’re just getting warmed up here.
Eduardo is a master sculptor, mind you.
This is actually a faucet… go ahead, drink from it. I dare you.
Nothing to see here, just a triad of babies hanging from the lights and ceiling…
It’s hard to show the scale here, but this piece is nearly 2 meters tall if memory serves…
Another large piece — ‘Angel, unzipped’?
I didn’t test this tricycle out, for obvious reasons.
Seemingly every square centimeter of the walls are covered in art — beyond being a gallery, the bar and lounging area are easy enough to spot.
Four boobs? Careful what you wish for there, my friend.
I didn’t realize this until we were nearly finished and out the door, but you’re able (and allowed) to insert yourself into some of these masterpieces. Exhibit A:
It takes a bit of effort to get into the correct position, and you’ll definitely want your flash. Exhibit B (not pictured) offers a clear ‘jar’ to place your head inside, while exhibit C offers a kick-ass throne right against the side wall.
A little palette cleanser for you — once out of the building, you don’t have to go too far to find Cuenca’s more traditional beauty.
Overall, it’s not a museum of art, but a personal, private collection we mere mortals have been granted access to. It’s most definitely not for children, and if you aren’t ready to have your mind warped, there are plenty of churches and beautiful colonial buildings around. I’d safely say it’s the weirdest place we came across while in Ecuador, and would defy anyone to find me a weirder spot in the country. (Think you’ve got one? Share in the comments.)
Name: Center for Extreme Art (Eduardo Moscoso Prohibito Centro Cultural Arte Extremo AKA Prohibido Centro Cultural)
Address: Calle Peatonal La Condamine 12–102, Sector: El Vado, Cuenca 010150, Ecuador (GPS: -2.898982, -79.008980)
Directions: From the Parque Abdon Calderon in the heart of Cuenca’s old town, walk south on Luis Cordero for about 300 meters (towards Avenida 12 de Abril). The road will come to a T at Calle Larga — turn right and walk about 500 meters to a zig-zag. ‘Zig’ left and ‘zag’ right to follow the road, then walk another 50 meters and look for the building in the first picture.
Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm Monday-Saturday (closed Sunday)
Admission: $1.50
Phone: +59 372840703
Website: https://prohibidocc.wordpress.com
