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Published: 28-01-2022
Bogota has always been a city with a strong emphasis on culture and art and is home to a has a number of art museums that would rival a lot of international cities. The controversial history and diverse Colombian culture lead to there being museum or art gallery directly related to each of the different arts to wet the appetites of most travellers to this creative and cultural city. Colombia has been able to preserve centuries of anthropological and geological treasures. Whether it be pre-Colombian, Republican or modern much of its history is is still evident today and can be found in a number of different locations.
Botero museum in Bogota
The majority of art galleries and museums are found in the neighbourhood called “La Candelaria”. This part of the city is historically important in Bogota´s history as it was the site for the attempted killing and subsequent escape of Simon Bolivar. In addition, the execution of the female revolutionary Policarpa Salavarrieta here, is thought to be the start of the revolution. As you walk amongst the churches and museums you can see the history and culture displayed on its walls in the form of street art and graffiti.
Bogota street art
Here are our favourite museums in Bogota City:
The Museo del Oro
The best place to see pre-Colombian golden artefacts is understandably at the gold museum in the Banco de la Republica. This museum displays the most famous jewellery exhibits on a worldwide scale with its collection of gold and emeralds. In fact, there are roughly 30,000 pieces displayed at the museum which makes for an impressive sight!
Display at the Gold Museum
The National Museum
The national history museum is the most complete museum offering an insight into the identity of Colombia. Throughout the week you will run into a number of school children learning about their heritage, history and culture. This is one of the oldest museums in all of the Americas, it was initially established in 1823 in another location. It was in 1946, that the museum was moved to its current location, which was once a “mixed prison” way ahead of its time! There are currently 17 permanent exhibitions with over 2,500 artefacts to marvel att. Pleaase bear in mind that the tour is actually only available in Spanish so take a decent translator! To get a better understanding of Colombia's history, the museum shares the passage in chronological order with an impressive collection of pottery, weapons, everyday tools, and items of jewellery.
The national museum
Museo de Arte Moderno – MAMBO (Museum of modern art).
The Museum of Modern Art has moved around somewhat over the years and since its establishment in 1955. The current building has 4 floors of modern art, on display and If you are a fan of Colombian art, there is a good collection of works from Barrios, Grau, Ana Mercedes Hoyos, Manzur, Manzurillamizar, and Negret.This is one of the few places you cannot take photos due to flash damage to the paintings.
Modern Art Museum
Museo de Botero and Casa De Moneda
These two museums can be found together and belong to the Banco de la Republica Art Collection. The Casa de Moneda is home to a collection of Colombian coins and provides an overview of the history of money in Colombia and the methods used to make the coins.
Exhibition room at the Botero museum
The Botero Museum as it is more commonly known attracts art lovers, especially those who could not make it to Medellin, the home of Fernando Botero. Most of the works of art on display of course, belong to the famous Colombian artist, where his artwork and collections can be appreciated. There are however almost 3,000 paintings and sculptures of other Latin American artists, the majority of whom are Colombian; however, it is also possible to view pieces from international artists such as Dali, Picasso, Monet, Renoir, amongst others. Head out to the courtyard you will see the newest and most modern addition, created in 2004. This building features modern art, with interesting temporary exhibits from all over the world, including Mexican Pop Art. It's a nice change if you are tired of the historical aet and looking for a more contemporary feel.
Santa Clara
Colombia’s only museum that is found housed inside a colonial church, Santa Clara is one of the most stunning and representative colonial-buildings in the whole of Bogotá. It was built between 1619 and 1647 and houses hundreds of paintings, ornate, colonial statues and works of art. It costs around a dollar to visit, so there’s no real excuse for skipping this museum on your visit to Bogota.
Santa Clara
The Colonial Museum
Located in a lovely 17th-century building known as the Casa de las Aulas, the Colonial Museum (previously known as the Colonial Arts Museum) is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in the colonial period in Colombia and Latin America in general. It is home to an incredible collection of colonial-era art and sculptures, as well as interesting and informative plaques explaining the culture and history of the period. It was recently renovated to make some presentations more interactive and more modern feel.
Golden mask on display
Even if you are in Bogota just for a short visit, it is highly recommended to take the time to explore at least one of the city’s museums and to take home some of Colombia’s rich cultural and artistic heritage that offers incredible insight into this amazing city and country as a whole.
