The five unmissable museums in Colombia

From fascinating collections of pre-Columbian art to contemporary masterpieces, Colombian museums offer a unique window into the country's vibrant culture and heritage.

If you're planning a visit to Colombia, you can't miss the opportunity to explore some of its most outstanding museums. Here's a selection of five, worth a visit during your stay in the land of beauty.

Gold Museum (Bogotá)

Visiting the Gold Museum of the Bank of the Republic of Colombia is perhaps the best way to immerse yourself in the world of ancient pre-Columbian cultures. Located in the historic center of Bogotá, its collection houses more than 50,000 original pieces created by the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Zenú, Muisca, Tolima, and Tumaco cultures, among others, and which have been recovered in different parts of the country.

This is an internationally recognized space for housing the largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmithing in the world, with approximately 34,000 pieces of gold and tumbaga, and nearly 25,000 objects in ceramic, stone, shell, bone, and textiles. This museum will transport you through time to discover the artisanal skills and worldview of the indigenous civilizations that inhabited these lands.

Botero Museum (Bogotá)

Fernando Botero was, without a doubt, one of Colombia's greatest artists, and thanks to a donation of part of his personal art collection in 2000, the Botero House Museum was born. The exhibition features more than 200 works, some by the Antioquian artist and others by artists such as Renoir, Monet, Boudin, and Degas.

Admission to this museum is free and is connected to the Casa de Moneda (Mint House), where you can see the Bank of the Republic's extensive numismatic and art collection. Just a few steps away, in the heart of Bogotá, is the Miguel Urrutia Art Museum (MAMU), which houses a collection of art from the Bank of the Republic dedicated to 20th-century Latin American and European art.

Museum of Antioquia (Medellín)

In the center of Medellín is one of Colombia's largest museums: the Museo de Antioquia. It houses a diverse collection of Colombian, pre-Columbian, and contemporary art, as well as works by local artists and an outstanding collection of works by the master Fernando Botero.

A sample of the works in this museum can be appreciated even without entering the building: just in front of it is Botero Plaza. In this space, you'll find 23 imposing sculptures by the renowned Colombian artist. Once inside the museum, you can enjoy the spaces, corridors, and interior gardens of the building, which was listed as a National Monument in 1995.

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (Santa Marta)

In Santa Marta, in addition to visiting beautiful beaches, you can tour the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a majestic colonial-era building where the liberator Simón Bolívar died. The gardens, with centuries-old trees and colorful flowers, adorn the place, where you'll find historical artifacts that played a part in the formation of countries like Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia.

At this hacienda, located on the outskirts of Santa Marta, in addition to exploring the colonial house and its outdoor spaces, you can learn about Bolívar's life and work through exhibits and tours that highlight his legacy and impact on the region.

Caliwood (Cali)

The capital of Valle del Cauca is, without a doubt, one of the birthplaces of Colombian cinema. This museum is dedicated to the history of the seventh art in Colombia. With a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to Colombian cinema, as well as film screenings and special events, this museum offers a unique insight into Colombian film culture and its impact on society.

The space houses the first technical equipment used to film movies in the country and pays tribute to actors, directors, and other members of the production teams who have helped shape the history of cinema in Colombia. It's the place for lovers of the seventh art and those interested in learning more about the country's film culture.

Bonus: Ethnographic Museum of the Bank of the Republic (Leticia)

This museum, located in the city of Leticia, capital of the Amazonas department, is dedicated to the cultural diversity of the indigenous communities of the Amazon. It exhibits a variety of objects, artifacts, and indigenous art, as well as information on the traditions, customs, and ways of life of these communities. It is a unique space for the exchange of knowledge, as well as for learning about the indigenous cultures of the region and their relationship with the natural environment.

Whether you're passionate about art, history, or film, Colombia's museums have something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to explore them and learn more about the fascinating history and cultural diversity of this beautiful country.

Source: Colombia.Travel