The country has a rich cultural and historical tapestry showcased in its diverse variety of museums. From captivating collections of pre-Columbian art to Contemporary masterpieces, museums in Colombia offers a unique window into the vibrant culture, the Colombian history, and the heritage of its regions.
If you are planning to travel through Colombia, don't miss the chance to explore some of its standout museums. Here, we present a selection of five must-visit museums that deserve a spot on your itinerary as you soak in the country of beauty.
Gold Museum (Bogotá)
Immerse yourself in the world of ancient pre-Columbian cultures with a visit to the Gold Museum of Banco de la República de Colombia (The Bank of the Republic). Nestled in the historic center of Bogotá, this museum houses over 50,000 original pieces created by cultures such as the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Zenú, Muisca, Tolima, and Tumaco, among others, recovered from various regions of the country.
Internationally renowned for having the largest pre-Hispanic goldsmith collection in the world, with around thirty-four thousand gold and tumbaga pieces, along with nearly twenty-five thousand objects in ceramic, stone, shell, bone, and textiles, this museum will transport you through time to discover the craftmanship and worldview of the indigenous civilizations that once inhabited these lands.
Botero Museum (Bogotá)
Master artist Fernando Botero undoubtedly stands as one of Colombia's greatest artistic figures. Thanks to a donation from his personal art collection in 2000, the Botero Museum was born. Featuring over 200 works, including some by the Antioquian artist himself and others by renowned figures like Renoir, Monet, Boudin, and Degas, this exhibition is a testament to artistic excellence.
Entry to this museum is free and it's interconnected with the Coin House, where you can admire an extensive numismatic and art collection from Banco de la República. Just a few steps away you’ll find the Miguel Urrutia Art Museum (MAMU), one of the most important museums in Bogotá, with an art collection dedicated to 20th-century Latin America and European art.
Antioquia Museum (Medellín)
Downtown Medellín lies one of Colombia's largest museums: the Antioquia Museum. Here, you'll find a diverse collection of Colombian, Pre-Columbian, and Contemporary Art, alongside works by local artists and a notable compilation of pieces by Fernando Botero.
Even before stepping inside the building, you can appreciate some of its artworks right across the street lies Botero Plaza, featuring 23 imposing sculptures by the renowned Colombian artist. Once inside you can explore its spaces, corridors, and interior gardens of this building, which was declared a National Monument in 1995.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (Santa Marta)
In Santa Marta, beyond its beautiful beaches, you can wander through the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a majestic Colonial-era construction where liberator Simón Bolívar breathed his last. Adorned with centuries-old trees and colorful flowers, its gardens hold historical pieces integral to the formation of countries like Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia.
At this hacienda, located on the outskirts of Santa Marta, you can explore the colonial house along with its outdoor spaces, while learning about Bolívar's life and legacy through exhibitions and tours highlighting his impact on the region.
Caliwood museum (Cali)
The capital of Valle del Cauca is undeniably one of the cradles of Colombian cinema. This museum is dedicated to the history of cinema in the country, featuring a collection of objects, photographs, and documents related to Colombian cinema, as well as film screenings and special events, offering a unique insight into the country's cinematic culture and its societal impact.
The space houses the first technical equipment used to shoot films in the country and pays tribute to actors, directors, and other production team members who have contributed to shaping the history of Colombian cinema. It's a must-visit for cinephiles and anyone keen on delving deeper into the country's cinematic culture.
Bonus: Ethnographic Museum of Banco de la República (Leticia)
Situated in the city of Leticia, capital of the Amazonas department, this museum is dedicated to the cultural heritage of indigenous communities in the Amazon. It showcases a variety of objects, artifacts, and Indigenous art in Colombia, along with information about the traditions, customs, and ways of life of these communities. It's a unique space for knowledge exchange and learning about the indigenous cultures of the region and their relationship with the natural environment.
Whether you're passionate about art, history, or cinema, museums in Colombia have something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to explore them and learn more about the fascinating history and cultural diversity of this, the country of beauty.
