Art in Bogotá: From Museums to Street Art

Art museums and galleries in Bogotá

To help you get started on your art tour of the city, here is our selection of some of the must-see museums to include on your stay in Bogotá. 

First of all, few would recommend visiting the city of Bogotá without at least a quick stop at the iconic Gold Museum, so it takes the top spot on our list! This popular tourist attraction provides a fascinating look back at pre-Hispanic civilization and culture through collections of art work, statues, jewelry and other artifacts handcrafted in gold. If you go on a Sunday, you can even enter completely free of charge!

Then, just minutes away (and also free to enter), we find the iconic Botero Museum. Fans of this artist’s signature style will love the opportunity to see not only his artwork and sculptures but also the works donated from his own private collection, including among them creations by world-renowned artists such as Dali and Renoir.

The third stop on our list happens to be located just next door: the Museo de Arte del Banco de la República. Free to enter, its collection includes not only paintings but sculptures and photography, with around 800 pieces on display in the museum’s several rooms. 

Our last stop in Candelaria brings us to Museo Santa Clara, a small, restored 17th-century chapel where you can spend some time viewing the displays of religious artwork and admiring the intricate detail which adorns almost every surface.

Then, moving on to a more central location, we find MAMBO - Museum of Modern Art of Bogotá. Designed by architect Rogelio Salmona, it hosts workshops and talks and is home to exhibitions featuring both Colombian and international artists which are certain to pique your interest. 

Around 25 minutes away from here is another must on your trip to Bogotá, the planetarium. Start by exploring the interactive astronomy exhibitions in the Space Museum; attend a talk; catch a laser show to the rhythm of contemporary tunes or classical music; or even observe the sky – the choice is yours! 

In addition to the more traditional museums, you’ll find that Bogotá is bursting with cutting edge galleries sure to spark your interest. Just some of the highlights include Flora, a non-profit whose pieces highlight the relationship between art and nature; Beatriz Esguerra Art, which works to promote Colombian artists; and Casas Riegner, which emphasizes the work of both new and established talent.

Art Fairs in Bogotá

If you visit Bogotá in October, you’re in luck! Complement your tour of the art museums and galleries with a stop at some of the city’s most famous art fairs, such as Barcú and Feria Odeón in the neighborhood of La Candelaria, or perhaps the most notable of all: ARTBO, the International Art Fair of Bogotá. This annual 4-day event was conceived to promote the country’s art scene and is now famous around the world, bringing together an incredible selection of home-grown and international talent and visited by many.

Bogotá street art: a reflection of social change

Something that may surprise visitors to Bogotá is the ubiquitous graffiti, or street art, across the city. Once part of Bogotá’s troublesome past, graffiti was decriminalized in 2011 and now, with the rights of artists protected, street art is welcomed and encouraged as a type of cultural expression in virtually every neighborhood. As a result, the streets and buildings have been transformed into an almost open-air museum of work by local and international artists, with city projects supporting the movement and celebrities and famous names invited to add their own style. 

One of the best ways to appreciate this art and its culture in Bogotá is to go on the highly popular Bogotá Graffiti Tour, which was founded in 2011 by street artist Crisp. Tours last around two to three hours and are given in English, with private tours in other languages also available. The knowledgeable street artist guides offer an insight into the paintings, which illustrate diverse topics such as the country’s past struggles, indigenous rights, and social issues, so the tour is the perfect chance to see and learn about some of the best examples in neighborhoods such as La Candelaria. This is a popular and truly one-of-a-kind experience that has become a must on any stay in the city!

So, whether you choose traditional or contemporary – or a combination of the two - you’ll see that Bogotá is a city which truly captivates visitors with its creative flair. For more information about any of the attractions found in our guide, don’t hesitate to ask at reception - our team will be happy to help!

Author: Claudia Carolina Rodriguez Gonzalez

Hotel director at NH collection Teleport

Engineer by profession, with specialization in strategic management from the University of La Sabana, with more than 15 years of experience in hospitality, going through all operational areas Reception, Housekeeping, events, F&B, Quality and the last 7 years managing different hotels in the chain.