The Post Office, the National Police Building, the National Palace and the Yurrita Church were built in the first half of this century. In the second half of the century, visual artists incorporated their work into the architecture, which can be seen in the buildings of the Civic Center , with murals by national artists of the caliber of Carlos Merida .Today, Guatemala City has two million inhabitants. Its location, facilities and services make it the starting point for visits to the rest of Guatemala and the entire Maya world . Guatemala City has an active cultural life throughout the year. There are more than 30 galleries showing Guatemalan artists in painting, photography, engraving and sculpture.
Theaters present a wide range of plays, especially by national playwrights.
The city also has an impressive cultural complex, the Miguel Angel Asturias Cultural Center, where a range of activities are presented, from recitals in the Chamber Room to the Guatemala Ballet in the Great Room to rock concerts in the Open Air Theater. Guatemala is rich in musical creativity, and the works of its performers and composers can be enjoyed in theaters, taverns and night clubs. Guatemala City and nearby Antigua , have had a university tradition since 1676, when the University of San Carlos , the first in Guatemala and third on the American continent, was founded. Today, there are five universities in Guatemala City offering regular programs, short courses and lectures on specialized subjects. The universities have academic units engaged in research, which can support researchers interested in studying the country.