These Are the Top 11 Best Museums Not to Miss in Colombia

Colombia is rich in culture and history; its museums are a testament to this vibrant heritage. If you’re planning a trip to Colombia and want to explore its cultural offerings, visiting its best museums should be high on your list.

From the captivating artifacts at the Gold Museum in Bogotá to the stunning exhibits at the Modern Art Museum in Medellín, each museum offers a unique glimpse into Colombia’s past and dynamic art scene. In this guide, we will introduce you to the top 11 most visited museums across various cities in Colombia that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

The Top Museums in Colombia, South America

The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), situated in Bogotá’s La Candelaria neighborhood, is an institution dedicated to preserving Colombia’s pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. The museum opened its doors in 1939 thanks to the efforts of the Banco de la República, which aimed to safeguard invaluable pieces of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. It covers goldsmithing and metallurgy traditions from Indigenous cultures. Visiting this museum is essential due to its unique collection, which provides deeper insights into the wealth and diversity of ancient pre-Columbian civilizations.

The museum’s collection includes more than 55,000 pieces, primarily gold artifacts but also items made from ceramics, shells, wood, and textiles. Among the highlights are the famous Muisca Raft, representing the El Dorado legend, and intricate golden figures representing animals and humans. Exhibits are meticulously organized across three main floors, each dedicated to themes like ‘People and Gold in pre-Hispanic Colombia’ and ‘Cosmology and symbolism.’

For those planning a visit, spending at least a few hours ensuring you see all sections thoroughly is advisable. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours until 7 PM on Saturdays. Admission is free on Sundays. Audio guides are available in several languages. Photography without flash is permitted. Located centrally in Bogotá, it’s accessible via several public transportation options, including TransMilenio bus services.

Gold Museum Useful Information

Website: Gold Museum
Address: Cra. 6 No. 15-88, Bogotá, Colombia
Phone Number: +57 1 3432222

Located in the bustling downtown area of Bogotá, the National Museum of Colombia is a historic institution that traces its origins back to 1823, making it one of the oldest museums in the Americas. Initially established as a collection of natural history and scientific instruments, the museum has evolved to reflect Colombia’s complex history and cultural evolution. It serves as a repository for artifacts from prehistoric times to contemporary periods.

The museum’s extensive collection is divided into four main sections: art, history, archeology, and ethnography. Notable highlights include pre-Columbian artifacts such as ancient tools and pottery, colonial-era religious artifacts, and works of art by influential Colombian painters like Fernando Botero. The art section showcases pieces from national and international artists. Additionally, temporary exhibitions often allow visitors to explore specific themes or periods in greater depth.

The National Museum of Colombia offers convenient access via public transportation, with several bus stops and Transmilenio stations nearby. The museum operates from Tuesday to Sunday, with free admission on Wednesdays. Guided tours are available in Spanish and English to help you understand the exhibits more thoroughly.

National Museum of Colombia Useful Information

Website: National Museum of Colombia
Address: Cra. 7 No. 28-66, Bogotá, Colombia
Phone Number: +57 1 3816470

The Botero Museum is situated in Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria neighborhood. Founded in 2000, it was established after the internationally renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero donated a collection of his artworks and pieces from his private collection to Banco de la República.

The museum is housed in an 18th-century colonial mansion. The large donation and the museum’s strategic location make it a significant cultural attraction in Bogotá. It showcases Botero’s distinctive style, characterized by exaggerated volumes and a touch of satire.

The museum’s collection features over 120 works by Botero himself, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Notable pieces such as “Mona Lisa, Age Twelve,” “Pope Leo X,” and “Death of Pablo Escobar” exhibit his unique approach to form and proportion. In addition to Botero’s works, the museum has an impressive array of international art pieces by masters such as Picasso, Dalí, Monet, and Degas.

Admission to the Museo Botero is free. The museum is open daily except Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Sundays operate with reduced hours until 5:00 PM. Guided tours are available and recommended for those who wish to gain deeper insights into the exhibits. Due to the high visitor turnout, it’s advisable to arrive early on weekends. Photography is allowed but without flash.

Botero Museum Useful Information

Website: Botero Museum
Address: Calle 11 No. 4-41, Bogotá, Colombia
Phone Number: +57 1 3431316

The Museum of Antioquia is situated in the vibrant Old Quarter of Medellín, directly facing the iconic Plaza Botero. Established in 1881, it is one of Colombia’s oldest museums. Initially started as a small collection of paintings and natural science artifacts, it has become a significant cultural institution.

The museum houses an extensive collection that includes many works by Fernando Botero, whose sculptures also adorn the nearby plaza.

Apart from Botero’s pieces, the collection features art from the 19th and 20th centuries, with notable contributions from artists such as Débora Arango and Pedro Nel Gómez. The museum’s exhibitions display Colombian and Latin American art.

When planning a visit, make sure to allocate at least half a day to fully explore the museum’s three floors of galleries. The museum is open every day except Monday and offers guided tours in both Spanish and English. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Museum of Antioquia Useful Information

Website: Museum of Antioquia
Address: Cl. 52 No.52-43, Medellín, Colombia
Phone Number: +57 4 2513636

Located in Santa Marta, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino lies on the city’s outskirts, about five kilometers southeast of the city center. Established in 1608, this sprawling hacienda is renowned as the place where Simón Bolívar, the liberator of several South American countries from Spanish rule, spent his last days in 1830. The site offers insights into Bolivar’s life and legacy and portrays the colonial-era lifestyle through its well-preserved buildings and artifacts.

The museum’s extensive collection features artifacts from Bolívar’s time, including personal belongings, documents, and weaponry. Highlights include Bolívar’s deathbed and various exhibits detailing his military campaigns and political endeavors. Additionally, the estate houses an art museum focused on contemporary Latin American art.

Plan for at least a half-day visit to fully explore the estate. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is open daily; however, visiting hours may vary, so it is advisable to check ahead. Guided tours are available. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested due to the vast grounds, which include gardens and pathways connecting different parts of the estate.

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino Useful Information

Website: Museo Bolivariano
Address: Av. del Libertador, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Phone number: +57 5 4331030

Situated in El Poblado‘s Ciudad del Río area, the Modern Art Museum of Medellín (MAMM) plays a crucial role in the city’s cultural landscape. Founded in 1978, the museum resided within a former steel factory before relocating to its current premises in 2009. This contemporary structure features expansive open spaces that house exhibits dedicated to modern and contemporary art, emphasizing Colombian and Latin American artists.

The museum’s collection boasts over 2,300 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Notable pieces include works by Débora Arango and Pedro Nel Gómez, celebrated for their thought-provoking and often controversial themes. Temporary exhibits rotate frequently and host film screenings and live performances.

The museum is closed on Mondays but is open on other days from 9 AM to 6 PM. The closest metro station to the museum is Industriales. Parking is available nearby.

Modern Art Museum of Medellín Useful Information

Website: Modern Art Museum of Medellín
Address: Carrera 44 #19A-100, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Phone number: +57 4 4442622

Museo Quimbaya is located in Armenia, the capital of the Quindío department. The museum, designed by renowned Colombian architect Rogelio Salmona and inaugurated in 1986, is set within a curated complex that reflects modernist architectural principles. The museum specifically covers the archeology and anthropology of the pre-Columbian Quimbaya civilization. Situated within a picturesque green area, it serves as an important cultural and educational center. Visitors are attracted to Museo Quimbaya for its detailed insights into indigenous heritage, making it an essential stop for those interested in ancient civilizations.

The museum features artifacts from the Quimbaya civilization, such as goldsmith pieces, ceramics, and stone sculptures. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM and has free admission.

Museo del Oro Quimbayá Useful Information

Website: Museo Quimbaya
Address: Av. Bolívar #40N-80, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
Phone number: +57 6 7413300

Tayrona Gold Museum is situated on Santa Marta’s Plaza Bolívar, a central and historically significant area of the city. The museum occupies a colonial-era building preserved to maintain its historical relevance. Established in 1980, it primarily covers the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Tayrona civilization that inhabited the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region before Spanish colonization.

The Tayrona Gold Museum’s collection includes artifacts made of gold, ceramics, and other materials that highlight the advanced metallurgical skills and artistic process of the Tayrona civilization. Open Tuesday through Sunday between 10 AM and 5 PM, the museum provides visitors with essential tips on understanding Indigenous cultures. Admission is free.

Tayrona Gold Museum Useful Information

Website: banrepcultural.org/santa-marta/museo-del-oro-tairona
Address: Cra. 2 #14-16, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Phone number: +57 5 4210277

The Coffee Museum is located within the sprawling Coffee National Park in Quindío, Colombia. Opened in 1995, this museum is dedicated to exploring the rich history and cultural significance of coffee cultivation in the region. Set amidst lush coffee plantations, it provides an educational experience detailing the origins and development of coffee farming, its economic impact, and its role in shaping Colombian identity. Visitors gain insight into traditional and modern methods of coffee production, making it an important stop for understanding the heart of Colombia’s coffee culture.

The museum’s collection includes historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and multimedia presentations covering every aspect of coffee production. The museum also features an on-site café where visitors can sample freshly brewed Colombian coffee.

Coffee National Park’s Coffee Museum Useful Information

Website: Coffee Museum
Address: Km 6, Montenegro, Quindío, Colombia
Phone Number: +57 6 7417417

The Modern Art Museum of Cartagena, often called MAMC, is located in the historic city center of Cartagena, specifically in the vibrant district of Getsemaní. Established in 1979, the museum occupies what was once a colonial customs house dating back to the 17th century. It features modern and contemporary art from Colombia and Latin America.

Its collection showcases works by renowned Colombian artists like Enrique Grau, Alejandro Obregón, and Eduardo Ramírez Villamizar, along with notable pieces from Latin American contemporary artists. Visiting during weekdays is advisable to avoid crowds. Every first Sunday of the month features free admission.

Modern Art Museum of Cartagena Useful Information

Website: Modern Art Museum of Cartagena
Address: Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Carrera 2, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Phone Number: +57 5 6645815

Located in Aracataca, Magdalena, the Casa Museo Gabriel García Márquez is a significant cultural landmark dedicated to the life and work of Colombia’s Nobel Prize-winning author. The museum is housed in the restored childhood home of García Márquez, a place he often referred to in his writings.

Highlights include his typewriter and first editions of his most famous novels, such as “One Hundred Years of Solitude.”

Casa Museo Gabriel García Márquez Useful Information

Website: Casa Museo Gabriel García Márquez
Address: Calle Real del Medio No.18-47 (Antigua Casa Garcia Marquez), Aracataca, Magdalena, Colombia
Phone Number: +57 5 4215943