Get to know Maiquetía through several distinct cultural landmarks: a large-scale artwork at the airport, historic squares, religious memorial sites, and the history of Hospital San José. Together, they offer a glimpse of different sides of the place—from art in the airport corridor to its religious and social history.

Art in the Airport Corridor

At Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar is Carlos Cruz-Diez’s artwork “Cromointerferencia de color aditivo.” It covers 2,608 square meters and extends across the floor and side walls of the central corridor on the first floor. The work is therefore not confined to a single wall: the corridor itself is part of its described extent. This distinguishes it from the figures and bas-reliefs that feature at other cultural sites in Maiquetía.

Squares as Historic Landmarks

A historic cultural heritage tour of Maiquetía documented in 2018 included Plaza Lourdes, Plaza Padre Machado, and Hospital San José. The figure El Cristo at Plaza Jerusalén was also one of its stops. In this context, squares sit alongside a religious figure and a social institution.

An original statue of the Virgin Mary stands on Plaza Lourdes, together with its pedestal. According to a local historian, both date from the square’s inauguration on February 21, 1902. The square therefore has its own datable history among Maiquetía’s historic landmarks.

Religious and Social History

A replica of the Lourdes Grotto of Our Lady is located inside San Sebastián Church in Maiquetía. The Pope’s representative in Venezuela blessed it on February 8, 1884. The church and Plaza Lourdes are distinct religious landmarks: one is a replica inside a church, the other a statue of the Virgin Mary in a square.

Hospital San José opened on April 22, 1888, under the direction of Father Santiago Machado and Sister Mother Emilia de San José, founder of the Hermanitas de los Pobres de Maiquetía. The remains of Mother Emilia and Father Machado are located in the hospital’s courtyard and chapel. The dates provide a brief timeline: 1884 for the blessing of the grotto replica, 1888 for the hospital’s opening, and 1902 for the inauguration of Plaza Lourdes.

The Centro Memorial Cultural Ecológico

A 2023 report describes the Centro Memorial Cultural Ecológico at Plaza Jerusalén as having a garden, open paths, benches, and green spaces. According to the report, the center also includes chapels of the Stations of the Cross, a central chapel, and a conference hall. Plaza Jerusalén is thus associated both with the figure El Cristo and with the center described in the report.

The chapels of the Stations of the Cross contain elaborate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from each station. This sequence of images gives this part of the center its own religious focus, distinct from the historical details about the hospital, church, and Plaza Lourdes.

Choosing a Hotel Based on Your Cultural Interests

When looking for a hotel in Maiquetía, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay. Are you most interested in the art in the airport corridor, the history of the squares, religious history, or the Centro Memorial Cultural Ecológico? This question can help you explore Maiquetía according to your own interests. If you plan to visit specific squares or indoor spaces, check access before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Vargas.