Managua, Nicaragua, is full of surprises including the beautiful art and antique store, Mama Delfina’s. Housed in a large white Spanish colonial building with an open courtyard and beautiful old brickwork, the place is a treasure trove of handmade holiday gifts and decorations, carefully curated to offer a collection of best locally-produced items.
While the original Delfina, whose picture is above the cash register, looked on with stiff-necked amusement, the staff graciously let me roam around and take pictures. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did!
An old picture of Delfina and a painting of the store hang above the antique blue counter
The store features beautiful displays of painted boxes, frames, wooden angels and handmade paper goods
Some of the frames are of intricately punched metal, a technique that in Mexico is called repujado
All the Christmas ornaments at Mama Delfina’s are one-of-a-kind
Each painted box was a mini-masterpiece of abstract art. Loved the wonderful tablescapes throughout the store.
The store is arranged as a series of vignettes showcasing art and antiques.
The store carries a line of bags made from a loomed woven fabric that was prohibited during the Samoza regime but is now being reproduced in Nicaragua
A beautiful vignette of art, holiday items, and antiques
The store chooses and displays art with a practiced eye
There was an article in the newspaper a few weeks ago about the owner doing interior design but I didn’t realize the store had closed. Thanks for the sad update. You are right, quite the gem.
Very disappointed, Mama Delfina has closed its doors with no word said…it was a gem here in Managua..