Discover 5 Museums in Colombia, the Country of Beauty

Colombia is a country with immense cultural and historical wealth that is reflected in its various museums. Here you can explore fascinating collections of pre-Columbian art and contemporary masterpieces. In addition, you will have the opportunity to know the vibrant culture and cultural heritage of the country. If you're planning a trip and wondering what to do in Colombia, visiting different museums in Colombia is a must. We present a selection of five of these, which are worth a visit during your stay in the country of beauty.

1. Gold Museum – Bogotá

Colombian Eastern Andes

Located in the heart of Bogotá’s historic center, the Gold Museum is one of the most iconic cultural treasures in Colombia and Latin America. It houses the world’s largest pre-Hispanic gold collection, with over 34,000 pieces made from gold, ceramics, stone, and textiles—crafted by the diverse Indigenous cultures that once inhabited Colombian territory. Each exhibition room offers a journey into the past, revealing the beliefs, rituals, and worldviews of civilizations such as the Muisca, Tairona, Quimbaya, and Zenú.

What to do in the Gold Museum of Colombia? A visit here is a sensory and historical immersion. You can explore permanent and temporary exhibitions, join guided tours, or listen to audio guides available in several languages. It's no wonder this is considered one of the most famous gold museums in Colombia—and an essential experience for anyone looking to connect deeply with Colombia’s culture and ancestral roots.

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2. Museum of Modern Art - Cartagena de Indias

Great Colombian Caribbean

The Museum of Modern Art in Cartagena is located in the heart of the city’s Historic Center, right on Plaza San Pedro Claver, near the San Ignacio bulwark. This cultural gem is home to a bold and vibrant collection that celebrates contemporary creativity. With over 400 works—mostly by artists from the Colombian Caribbean—it showcases the legacy of influential figures such as Enrique Grau, Alejandro Obregón, Cecilia Porras, and Hernando Lemaitre. In recent years, the museum has expanded its role, transforming into a dynamic cultural hub and a space for dialogue, innovation, and community connection.

What to do in the Museum of Modern Art? You can explore rooms filled with emblematic pieces of modern Colombian art. Beyond paintings and sculptures, the museum offers interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and film screenings that explore themes like identity, memory, and territory. Among the many museums in Cartagena, this one is a standout. It’s not just a gallery—it’s an immersive experience and a powerful reflection of Colombia’s culture, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Colombia for art lovers and those interested in cultural travel in Colombia.

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3. Castle Museum – Medellin

Colombian Western Andes

The Castle Museum in Medellín is a striking Gothic-style building inspired by medieval European architecture, nestled within beautifully manicured French-style gardens in the El Poblado neighborhood. Stepping inside feels like entering another era, making it one of the most unique and enchanting museums in Medellin. The museum holds the city’s largest collection of decorative arts, featuring antique furniture, stained glass windows, porcelain, sculptures, paintings, and objects that reflect the elegance of 20th-century aristocratic life. It’s a visually stunning space that captivates visitors with its atmosphere and charm.

What to do in the Castle Museum of Medellín? You can take a guided tour through its halls, where every room offers a glimpse into different historical periods and artistic traditions. Entering will be transported in time, travel through different civilizations and get closer to the history of decorative arts. In addition, there are workshops and courses, since the museum promotes art and culture from an integral artistic training.

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4. Mapuka Museum - Barranquilla

Great Colombian Caribbean

The Mapuka Museum, located in Barranquilla, is an archaeological space dedicated to preserving and disseminating the cultural wealth of the Greater Colombian Caribbean. Here you will find a collection includes a wide array of ancient artifacts—stone tools, ceramics, and early examples of metallurgy—that tell the story of the region’s earliest inhabitants. The exhibits cover topics ranging from the first American settlers to the Spanish conquest, with thoughtfully organized display cases and clear explanations that enhance the visitor’s experience.

What to do at the Mapuka Museum? Here you can explore the past of the Karib communities through their valuable archaeological collection. Visitors can admire original creations and replicas of pieces of goldsmithery, metallurgy and other artifacts that reflect the ingenuity and cultural richness of these communities. Undoubtedly, it is a space that invites you to observe closely the history and diversity of the Colombian Caribbean.

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5. La Merced Archaeological Museum - Cali

Colombian Pacific

The architectural complex of La Merced in Cali is the memory of the colonial era of Cali. It is located in the historic area and represents the oldest building in the city. Located in the city’s historic district, it is considered the oldest building in Cali and one of the most significant heritage sites in the region. Inside, the La Merced Archaeological Museum preserves the largest and most diverse collection of pre-Columbian ceramics in Colombia. The museum holds over 13,000 artifacts representing the main Indigenous cultures that once thrived in Colombian territory—such as the Tairona, Muisca, Guane, Quimbaya, Calima, Nariño, Sinú, Tumaco, and San Agustín civilizations.

What to do at La Merced Archaeological Museum? Visitors can explore an extraordinary collection of pre-Hispanic pottery, colonial religious art, and historical artifacts that reveal the cultural evolution of the region. The museum also features temporary exhibitions that explore art, heritage, and social issues from a contemporary perspective. Through guided tours, hands-on educational workshops, and cultural events, it offers a rich and interactive learning experience.

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Finally, did you know that there are more than 445 museums in Colombia? This number, supported by the Ministry of Tourism Colombia through its cultural tourism policy active since 2021, speaks to the diversity of stories, traditions, and knowledge that thrive across the country. Now that you’ve discovered 5 museums in Colombia, we invite you to explore them for yourself—and uncover, at your own pace, the rich cultural and natural heritage that makes Colombia tourism so unique. Come and experience the magic of the country of beauty through its museums.

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