Top 100 best museums in Colombia

The Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden of Medellín, often referred to as the Botanical Garden of Medellín, is a sprawling 14-hectare botanical garden located in Medellín, Colombia. This expansive green space is a haven for nature lovers and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

The Museum of Gold, located in Bogotá, Colombia, is a popular destination for tourists, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. It is renowned for its extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold and other metal alloys, making it a significant cultural and historical site in the country.

The National Museum of Colombia, known as Museo Nacional de Colombia in Spanish, holds the distinction of being the oldest museum in the country. It was established in 1823 by Francisco de Paula Santander, who was the former President of the Republic of New Granada. This historical significance adds to the rich cultural experience that the museum offers.

The Planetarium of Bogota is a cultural center and planetarium situated in the International Center of Bogota, the capital of Colombia. It is specifically located in Santa Fe, the 3rd district of Bogota D.C., nestled between Plaza Santamaría and Parque de la Independencia. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

In 2000, the museum's namesake, Colombian artist Fernando Botero, made a significant contribution to the museum. He donated 208 art pieces, 123 of which were his own creations, and 85 were from other international artists. This generous donation forms the core of the museum's collection and is a testament to Botero's commitment to promoting art and culture.

El Castillo Museum is a cultural landmark situated in the vibrant city of Medellín, Colombia. This museum is a great place to explore for those interested in history, art, and architecture. It offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, making it a worthwhile stop on any trip to Medellín.

The Hacienda Nápoles estate was not just a residence, but a complex that included a Spanish colonial house, a sculpture park, and a complete zoo housing a variety of animals. Additionally, the estate boasted a large collection of vintage and luxury cars and bikes, a private airport, and even a Formula 1 racing track, reflecting the lavish lifestyle of its owner.

The Casa de Moneda de Colombia, located in the colonial district of La Candelaria in the center of Bogota, is a mint that was founded in the 17th century by Spanish military engineer Alonso Turrillo de Yebra. This historical site is a testament to the rich history of coin production in Colombia and offers a unique insight into the country's past.

This museum is located in the walled city and has various permanent exhibitions about the naval history of Colombia.

This museum, consisting of three salons, exhibits mainly coins and golden artefacts of pre-Columbian cultures.

The Medellín Museum of Modern Art, also known as MAMM, is a significant cultural institution located in Medellín. The museum is dedicated to the research, conservation, and dissemination of modern and contemporary art. It also plays a crucial role in the cultural development of the city. Visitors can expect to explore a wide range of art forms and learn about their historical and cultural contexts.

The Quimbaya Gold Museum, known as Museo del Oro Quimbayana in the local language, is a significant institution dedicated to preserving pre-Columbian archaeological artifacts. Located in the Armenia region of Colombia, the museum plays a crucial role in safeguarding the historical and cultural heritage of the area.

Parque Explora, located in Medellín, Colombia, is an interactive science museum that stands as a symbol of social transformation through education. This unique institution offers a blend of learning and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for tourists of all ages.

The Santa Clara Museum is situated in the heart of Bogota, Colombia's Historic Center. It is housed in the former Royal Convent of Santa Clara, a building that was completed in 1647. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Bogota's rich history while enjoying the museum's extensive collection of art and artifacts.

MAMBO offers a variety of facilities to its visitors. It houses an auditorium, a library with over 4500 volumes, a store, a cinema room, and a centrally located restaurant. The photo library boasts more than one hundred thousand photographs and negatives, inherited from other photographic archives, providing a rich resource for art enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Maloka is an interactive museum that focuses on science and technology. It is situated in the Ciudad Salitre neighborhood in the Fontibón locality of Bogotá, Colombia. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The Museum of Antioquia, located in Medellín, Colombia, is an art museum that is home to a vast collection of works by local artists Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich artistic heritage of Medellín through the works of its most renowned artists.

The Barranquilla Zoo, located in Barranquilla, Colombia, is home to a variety of animal species. Operated by the Botanical and Zoological Foundation of Barranquilla, it provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about diverse wildlife in a safe and controlled environment.

The Colonial Art Museum of Bogota, situated in Bogota, Colombia, was inaugurated in 1942. This museum is housed in a 17th-century building that previously served as a Jesuit-founded university and later, after their expulsion in 1767, the Royal Library, which became the National Library of Colombia in 1828.

The National Library of Colombia, located in Bogota, is a significant cultural institution under the Colombian Ministry of Culture. As a visitor, you can explore a wide range of collections and services offered by the library. It's not just a place for scholars and researchers, but also a fascinating destination for tourists interested in Colombian culture and history.

The museum is made up of two connected buildings. It presents mainly works of Colombian avant garde artists.

The Military Museum of Colombia is situated in La Candelaria, a region known for its historical and cultural significance in Bogota. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city's rich history and culture.

The Tequendama Falls Museum of Biodiversity and Culture is a unique combination of a museum and mansion located in San Antonio del Tequendama, Colombia. The museum is situated in a prime location, overlooking the stunning Tequendama Falls on the Bogotá River. This provides visitors with a breathtaking view and an opportunity to learn about the biodiversity and culture of the region.

The Claustro de San Agustín is a colonial building that was constructed at the end of the 18th century. It is located in the historic center of Bogotá, on the southwestern side of the Casa de Nariño. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city's historic center.

The Archaeological Museum, also known as "MUSA", is situated in a historic building known as the "Casa del Marqués de San Jorge". This building, dating back to the 18th century, was once the residence of the Marquis, located at carrera 6, calle 7-43 in Bogota.

The National Police Historical Museum is a public institution of the National Police of Colombia. It is situated in the locality of La Candelaria in Bogota, Colombia. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the history and evolution of the National Police in the country.

The museum is renowned for its significant collection of cinematographic, photographic, and phonographic devices. These exhibits showcase the evolution of film and exhibition equipment used not only in Colombia but also globally. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the technological advancements in these fields over the years.

Bioparque Los Ocarros is situated just 3 kilometers away from the city of Villavicencio, Vía Restrepo, Villavicencio Meta-Colombia. The park covers an area of 5.8 hectares, making it a spacious location for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

A famous president, journalist and author of Colombian national anthem lived here. Now, it is a museum and a national monument.

Every year on 20th July the Colombians celebrate their independency. Dating back to 1810, this museum wants to pay tribute to this event.

The Geosciences Museum, previously known as the Mineralogy Museum, is situated in the city of Medellín, Colombia. It is part of the Faculty of Mines of the National University of Colombia. The museum serves as an academic resource for Earth sciences, providing free access to a wide range of exhibits including minerals, fossils, and rocks, as well as information about the Earth, its processes, and resources.

The museum is divided into two blocks. The exhibition rooms are housed in a block that consists of a central two-story building, which is connected to two one-story wings. This layout provides ample space for the display of the museum's extensive collection.

The Museo del Mar, located in Bogotá, Colombia, is a unique institution dedicated to marine life and its study. Established in the 1960s by the Faculty of Marine Sciences at the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, the museum serves as a platform for students and the public to gain a deeper understanding of marine life. It showcases a variety of marine species, skeletons, and fossils, providing a comprehensive view of the marine ecosystem.

Costumes have always been a part of cultural identity. You can see the traditional ones the Indians wore as well as peasants (campesinos).

Zoológico Santacruz is situated in the municipality of San Antonio del Tequendama, in the department of Cundinamarca. It is located 9 km away from Salto del Tequendama, amidst a natural environment. The average temperature of the area ranges from 18 to 22 °C, and it is at an elevation of 1860 m above sea level.

The Museo de Bogotá, located in the historic center of the city in the La Candelaria neighborhood, is the city museum of the Colombian capital. This museum is a significant cultural institution that provides insights into the history and development of Bogotá.

The Water Museum EPM is not just a museum, but a thematic space that combines science, art, and technology. Visitors are invited to engage in a variety of interactive experiences that challenge their knowledge and senses. The museum's exhibits are designed to inspire wonder and curiosity about the world's most precious resource - water.

The Museo de Arte de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia is a university museum that is dedicated to contemporary art. It is located in the university city in Bogota, Colombia. The museum is known for its integrated productions from video art, performance, scenic arts, contemporary music, sound sculptures, and electroacoustics.

The Museo Paleontológico de Villa de Leyva is a significant paleontological museum located in the municipality of Villa de Leyva, Colombia. It forms part of the National University of Colombia's museum collection and is affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences in Bogotá. The museum serves as an academic, educational, historical, and dissemination center, showcasing part of Colombia's past and present heritage, particularly from the Villa de Leyva region.

The Museo de Arte del Tolima, situated in Ibagué, Colombia, is recognized as one of the most active regional museums in the country. This museum is a hub of cultural activity and offers a rich insight into the region's artistic heritage.

Valledupar, a city in Colombia, has a rich history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era. It was originally inhabited by Amerindian tribes, specifically the Chimila tribe of the Chibcha linguistic family. These tribes had developed their own societies before the arrival of the Spanish. This historical background provides a fascinating insight into the early inhabitants of the region.

The Anton Garcia de Bonilla Museum, situated in Ocaña, Colombia, is a repository of historical objects that reflect the rich history of the city and the old province of Ocaña. The museum's collection provides a glimpse into the past, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the region's history and culture.

The Museo Arqueológico La Merced is an archaeological museum situated in the historic center of Santiago de Cali, Colombia. It forms part of the religious complex La Merced, which has a rich history dating back to 1539 when the Order of Mercy established the 'Real Convento de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, redención de los cautivos'. The museum is a significant part of the city's cultural and historical landscape.

The Captain Antonio Ricaurte House Museum is a significant historical site located in the charming town of Villa de Leyva, Colombia. The museum is dedicated to showcasing various historical artifacts from the colonial period of Colombia, as well as the country's history. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich past of Colombia and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural heritage.

La Tertulia Museum, previously known as the Museum of Modern Art La Tertulia, is an art museum located in Cali, Colombia. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a variety of art forms and styles.

The Taminango Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions of Nariño, also known as the Taminango house, is a significant cultural institution in Colombia. It is located in the city of San Juan de Pasto and operates in a building that dates back to the 17th century. This building was declared a national monument in 1971, further emphasizing its historical and cultural importance.

The Casa de la Convención de Rionegro is a significant architectural work in the history of Colombia. Its colonial-style construction reflects the times when the Spanish dominated Colombia. The building's mud walls, large courtyard, clay tiles, and fine wood from bygone times allow visitors to perceive the remnants of the colonial era. This historical site has been considered a National Monument of Colombia since 1963.

The Museo de la Uva y el Vino is a wine museum situated in the municipality of La Unión in the Valle del Cauca. This location is known for its rich viticulture, making it an ideal place for a museum dedicated to the production and history of wine.

The Casa Museo Francisco José de Caldas is a museum situated in Bogotá, Colombia. It was the residence of Francisco José de Caldas, a notable Colombian lawyer, naturalist, and geographer. The museum is dedicated to his memory and showcases his life and works.

The Museo de Arquitectura Leopoldo Rother is a unique institution in Colombia, being the first and only museum dedicated to architecture in the country. It forms part of the National University of Colombia's museum complex, offering visitors a unique insight into the architectural history and development of Colombia and beyond.

The Miguel Urrutia Art Museum, also known as MAMU, is an art museum located in Bogotá, Colombia. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering a wide range of art collections for visitors to explore.

The Quinta de Bolivar, located in Bogota, Colombia, is a colonial house that once served as a residence to Simon Bolivar, a key figure in the war of independence. Today, it operates as a museum, providing insights into Bolivar's life and the era he lived in. Visitors can explore the house and its exhibits to learn more about this significant period in Colombian history.

The Pedro Nel Gómez House Museum is a significant cultural site in Medellín, Colombia. It was established by the renowned artist Pedro Nel Gómez and his family on November 15, 1975. This museum is a testament to the artist's life and work, and it serves as a cultural and artistic heritage of the city and the country.

This museum gathers artifacts and pieces from town's fortifications and fortresses - e.g. Santa Catalina and San Felipe.

The National Geological Museum "José Royo y Gómez" in Bogota is a specialized institution dedicated to the fields of geology and paleontology. It is part of the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), a national body responsible for studying and promoting knowledge about the geological resources of Colombia. The museum's collection, which ranges between 40,000 and 50,000 pieces, provides a comprehensive overview of the country's geological and paleontological heritage.

The House of the Viceroy in Cartago is a unique architectural gem from the colonial era. This historic building stands out for its distinctive colonial architecture, making it a significant landmark in the city of Cartago. It's a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The University of Antioquia Museum is a public cultural institution that is situated on the campus of the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. It is a significant cultural center that houses over forty thousand museum objects spread across four collections. The museum is one of the most visited in Medellín, offering a variety of programs and activities that enhance its educational, cultural, and social functions.