Museo de Antioquia
The Antioquia Museum is located in Parque Berrio, in downtown (El Centro) of Medellín, it is a museum that has national and international collections and was the first museum founded in the state of Antioquia and the second in Colombia. In 1995 it was declared a national monument.
The museum was founded in 1872, at that time it was called the Zea Museum in honor of Francisco Antonio Zea who was a Colombian scientist, politician, journalist and diplomat. Then in 1977 it changed its name and was renamed the Medellin Art Museum, this change resulted from the need to avoid confusion in the local and international society that visited it: tourists did not understand the meaning of Zea and locals confused it with the Wax Museum ( Museo de Cera).
One of the most important characteristics of this museum is that it has several works donated by Maestro Fernando Botero, who is a Colombian artist and sculptor, born in Medellín. His signature style, also known as “Boterismo”, describes people and figures in large, exaggerated volume, which can represent political criticism or humour, in addition to this, the museum is located in Plaza Botero, where there are also around 23 donated monumental sculptures by Botero.
What to see in the museum?
The museum has seventeen permanent exhibition halls. Most of the collections were obtained through donations from artists, relatives of artists and private collectors. Some have been obtained directly by the museum with its own resources or from donations of money granted for that purpose.
In the museum you will find paintings, drawings and sculptures by the master Fernando Botero, drawings, paintings, and sculptures that tell the history of art in Antioquia, religious art, ceramics, historical pieces, pre-Columbian art, a collection of contemporary art by Colombian artists, a collection bibliography on art and historiography of Colombia.
Once you are done seeing all the art in the museum, go to the Veracruz church which is only 2 minutes walking from the museum on “Avenida Carabobo” this church is the only colonial style church that exists in Medellin, it was built in 1682. Veracruz stands out for its stone façade and its main altar, which was brought from Spain. The church was declared Cultural Patrimony of the Nation in 1982.
Location Hours
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Weekend and holidays 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“make sure you arrive before 4 p.m. so you have enough time to see it all”
The park is close on Mondays and if its public holiday then it’s close to following Tuesday.
What to know before going?
If you are hungry, don’t worry. There is a coffee shop inside the planetarium that offers the best coffee, pastries and bakery products. If you feel like something different you can visit desire park which is right outside that has lots of street food options or you can also go to the botanical garden that has some restaurants with more options of food.
Also, be ready to see another face of the
city, the vibe could get a bit heavy with homeless people around trying to ask
for some money. Wear comfortable and simple clothes and don’t forget to have
some cash with you in case you want to buy something.
Visiting the museum and its surroundings it’s an amazing plan to do during the day when you are visiting Medellin, see this part of the city will show you how much Medellin has changed during the last years.
Getting There & Parking
The easiest way to get there is by Metro, get off at Parque barrio station and follow the signs; the museum is just in front. Parque Berrio metro station is on the line A.
You can also take an uber or a taxi that will drop you off at Plaza Botero where you will easily find the main entrance to the museum. This is the exact address Cra 52 No. 52-43, or you can just type: “Museo de Antioquia” in your uber app.
Quick Summary
Entry Price
Locals: 14 mil
Tourists: 21 mil
Location
El Centro Medellin
Calle 52 #52-43, La Candelaria
Hours
10am - 5:30pm
Monday - Saturday
10am - 5:30pm
Sunday & Holidays
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