The Contemporary Art Center of Quito occupies the old military hospital of San Juan, a handsome building on the slope above the historic centre. The setting matters: courtyards, long corridors, and views over the city give contemporary exhibitions a sense of place that a neutral gallery box would not have.
Shows change, so the visit depends on what is installed, but it is one of the better places to see Quito thinking about itself in the present tense. Combine it with a walk through San Juan or the northern edge of the old town, and check opening hours before climbing up.