Bogota – Museums

Visitors to Bogotá will not be disappointed with its range of museum offerings. With many of the city’s most famous museums concentrated in the La Candelaria neighborhood, visitors will find that many of the smaller but most interesting and historic locations offer free admission and guided tours (in Spanish). First-time visitors should focus on the museums and landmarks located in La Candelaria first, as a visit to all of the key tourist attractions in this district can easily fill an entire day alone.

 

 

El Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)

Bogotá’s Gold Museum offers many gold exhibits as well as pre-Columbian artefacts that include those recovered from Colombia as well as neighboring countries. While many of the museums in La Candelaria offer tours only in Spanish, the Gold Museum offers several available in English. The museum also holds a variety of exhibits that showcase various artefacts of pottery, stone, shell and wood. In total more than 55,000 unique objects are held at the museum. An on-site shop and restaurant are also available.

Address: Cra. 6 #15-88
Phone: 601 343 2222
Operating Hours:
– Monday closed
– Tuesday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– COP $4.000
– Free admission for children under 12 years old and adults over 60 years old.
– Free admission for all visitors every Sunday.
Website

 

 

Banco de la Republica Art Collection (Museo Botero)

Part of the larger cultural complex that is the Luis Ángel Arango Library, the collection traces its roots back to 1957 and includes more than 4,500 unique works of art that are owned by the Bank of the Republic. Most of the collection is focused on Colombian art, including from the colonial period to modern day. Galleries are divided and include rooms dedicated to 20th century artists as well as contemporary works. When combined with the art available at the National Museum of Colombia, the entire set is the most complete exhibition of Colombian art history. A gallery dedicated to universal art includes pieces from artists throughout the Americas.

Address: Calle 11 No. 4-41
Phone: 601 343 1111
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Tuesday closed
– Wednesday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

International Emerald Museum

Formally referred to as the Museo Internacional de la Esmeralda, visitors will enjoy this smaller museum that focuses on Colombia’s status as the world’s largest producer of emeralds.   The museum contains more than 3,000 unique emeralds, including some of the finest in the world. Guided tours are available that showcase the process of how emeralds are created, mined, cut and sold in Colombia and around the world. Visitors will also learn how to understand the various qualities of emeralds and view several of the museum’s largest collections of the precious stones.

Address: Calle 16 # 6-66 Edificio Avianca, piso 23
Phone:  (57) 316 8321180
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday closed
– Sunday closed
– Holiday closed
Admission Cost:
– Adults COP 10.000
– Child COP 5.000
Website