Medellin Museum Tours

The museums of Medellín hold some of the most important pieces of the city’s cultural history, and you’ll have plenty of time to take it all in. You’ll be picked up and dropped off by the guide; no need to worry about rendezvous points.

Even though the museum exhibits can be enjoyed by anyone, many of the signs and plaques will be in Spanish. That’s why our guides are fluent in both Spanish and English – they’ll be right there to translate anything you don’t understand, so you won’t miss a single detail during the Medellín museum tours.

There are so many great museums in Medellin to explore. It really just comes down to what you are into.

It’s recommended that you bring some cash (in Colombian pesos) for incidental purchases. If you end up buying souvenirs, snacks, or water along the way, using cash would be better than using a credit card. It’s usually less complicated than using a card from the US for transactions in Colombia; if the transaction doesn’t get processed correctly, you’ll end up using cash anyway.

This is one of Medellín’s most popular museums, and it’s recognized as an Architectural Heritage of Colombia as well. The Museum of Antioquia contains sculptures, paintings, drawings, and objects of historical value. In fact, part of what makes the museum remarkable isn’t even inside the building; the Plaza de Botero is worth viewing as well. This plaza is located right in front of the museum and contains 23 sculptures by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist.

Some of the descriptions are in English, but a translator will be needed for others. You’ll go through 12 different rooms, each of which have a different theme. These are some of the most popular:

•  Intercultural Dialogues: Clay Has a Voice, with ceramics from various origins and eras
• Decolonial Dialogues Room: The Persistence of Dogma, with documents and items from the pre-Columbian period
• Promises of Modernity Room, with exhibits on Medellín’s cultural development over the years
• Extensions to the Story of Art in Antioquia, with works by past and present artists depicting significant events in the region
• International Art Room, with modern art by international artists
• Fernando Botero Donation Room, with paintings and sculptures that were donated by Botero

In 1991 Medellín recorded 6,809 homicides, making it the most violent city in the world. The city has transformed itself since then, and is now much safer for both residents and visitors. However, this transformation has been dangerous and painful at times. The House of Memory Museum exists to remember those hard times, with the hope that current and future generations won’t make the same mistakes.

The exhibits take many different forms, including artwork, videos, audios, newspaper archives, and first-hand testimonials. The stories of conflict are told from many different points of view, from journalists and human rights activists, to indigenous communities and mothers. Given how detailed some of the displays are, visitors could potentially spend hours at the museum, learning about the many armed conflicts that have taken place in the region. Some of the exhibits are permanent, while others are updated about once a year.

Not many Latin American cities can say that they have a castle, but Medellín is an exception. El Castillo Museum and Gardens was originally a residence built in 1930, but has since been turned into a museum. The castle displays elements of classic Gothic architecture, inspired by much older castles in France’s Loire Valley. By 1971, the castle and gardens had become a museum for the advancement of culture and art in Medellín.

The inside is as lavish as the outside, with several valuable collections on display. These include porcelain and china from European makers, Baccarat crystal glassware, and pieces of furniture from the early 20th century.

The gardens are just as well-maintained. You can enjoy walking through the courtyard of azaleas, the native forest, the contemporary garden, the Japanese garden, and the French garden. This last one is made to look like the typical gardens surrounding European castles, with bronze fountains and extensive floral ornamentations.

Colombia’s vibrant cultural scene includes influences from all over the world, and many of these influences are on display at the Museum of Modern Art. One of the unique features of this museum is that the exhibits are constantly changing. Since the focus is on modern art, the museum is continuously updating its featured artists. Common themes include the city’s historical struggles, current social issues, interactive displays, and abstract art pieces.

Another thing to note is the quality of the museum’s gift shop. This usually isn’t a prominent feature for most museums, but the Museum of Modern Art goes above and beyond to offer quality gifts and souvenirs. There’s also a secondary gift shop, with items that were handmade by artisans from the Antioquia region.

You don’t need that much preparation to spend the day walking around museums, but there are a few items that would improve your experience.

• Cash, to cover any purchases you end up making. You might want to pick up some souvenirs at a gift shop, or buy something to eat or drink along the way. As mentioned above, cash is a better option than using your credit card. It’s more convenient, and reduces the risk of fraud.
• Comfortable walking shoes, which will ensure that you don’t get distracted by aching feet.
• A phone or camera, for taking pictures. Some of the museums won’t allow photos of the exhibits, but you can still commemorate your visit with some outdoor pictures.

Medellín is full of history, and the city’s museums preserve different aspects of that history from their own unique perspectives. By joining a Medellín museum tour, you can see for yourself what this city is all about.