With its rich history and interesting culture, it is no surprise that Medellín has a wide choice of quality museums to enjoy. When you want to take a step back, relax and take a visual trip through history, museums are relaxing, engaging spaces that really add something to any trip.
As with anything though, museums vary in quality and interest, so if you are visiting a museum in Medellín, you want to get the best experience, and that means finding the best museums in the area. Here are our picks for museums that offer the best experience you will find during your stay in this amazing area.
El Castillo Museum
The Castle Museum is, as the name suggests, located in a castle. In this case, that castle was built during the 1930s by a German couple who made Medellín their home. It may be less than a hundred years old, but it looks and feels like a much older European Castle, and with beautiful gardens to explore as well, it is a fantastic place to spend time and admire.
Inside you will find an ever-changing range of exhibitions from local artists and cultural pieces showing the history of the area. There is a guided tour that takes you around each room, covering everything from antique furniture of the region to porcelain from around the world. The interesting displays are fantastic, and the grounds are one of the best locations in Medellín to enjoy a picnic in the sun.
Museo de Antioquia
Probably the most important of all the museums in Medellín, it is home to more than 100 of Fernando Botero’s artworks. The most famous artist to come from Colombia, he donated these pieces himself, and the exhibition covers twelve separate rooms, as well as a free display of sculptures in the plaza outside.
But the museum has so much more to offer too, covering works by artists from pre-Colombia through to contemporary works, you can see the journey of art of all types from the region. There are audio guides available to take you around the many rooms and displays, but the museum is also well-staffed with guides available if you have questions. It’s the second-largest museum in Colombia, and as a record of the cultural and artistic development the region has seen over the last few centuries, is the most comprehensive you will find.
Museum of Modern Art
Not just a museum, MAMM is part of the cultural heart of Medellín, offering outdoor cinema experiences, concerts and more. It is also home to a range of temporary exhibitions offering differing experiences to attract all ages and social groups to enjoy the displays.
The museum is located in a former steel mill, and is mainly focused on modern art, especially contemporary artists from the region. The largest single display is of local artist Débora Arango, who is one of Colombia’s most well-known contemporary painters. If you are traveling on a budget, the last Friday of every month brings free entry in the evening. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the modern art culture of Medellín and Colombia as a whole.
Parque Explora
While exploring the cultural and general history of Colombia has a lot to offer, there are museums in Medellín that cover a range of other topics too. One of them is the Parque Explora, which is dedicated to innovation in science and technology.
It is home to the largest aquarium in South America, full of examples of the fish that inhabit the coastal waters. It also features a planetarium, along with a range of exhibitions focused on interesting and innovative technology and scientific advancements, both historic and modern.
Casa de la Memoria
One of the newest museums in Medellín, this one covers the civil conflict that engulfed Colombia for so many years. Educational and often shocking in revealing the sheer brutality that defined much of the country’s recent history, it is a rewarding experience and a chance to learn about a topic that is often misunderstood or even ignored outside of Colombia.
It’s free to visit, and stands as a testament to the victims of the violence. Given the subject matter, it is not what you would call a fun experience, but an important one nonetheless.
San Pedro Cemetery Museum
Still a working cemetery, this museum was first built in 1842, and has been declared as a museum in its own right since 1998. In 1999, it was declared a national monument too, due to the cultural importance of the architecture, and the building itself really is an impressive place to visit and admire.
The church is home to magnificent stained-glass windows that are glorious to see as the sun shines through, but the main attraction are the many large tombs and mausoleums, often housing prominent public figures throughout Colombian history. There are also a number of events held here throughout the year, including dance and music performances and theater presentations. There are free guided tours around the cemetery too. It’s a different kind of museum, but a very interesting one.
Conclusion
Museums in Medellín can connect you with the culture and history of the region in a way few other experiences can. With such a variety of high-quality museums to visit, whether it is historical objects from the area, work from local artists, looking at some of the darker times in Colombia’s past or seeing where the future will take us, there is something for everyone in Medellín.