10 Best Museums in Medellin

Medellín, after Bogotá, is one of Colombia's most visited destinations and the epicentre of some of the country's most interesting attractions. A reservoir of local culture, it is also one of the ideal places to discover the history and legacy of Colombian society and much of that city profile can be discovered in the best museums here.

Some of the best things to do in Medellín include visiting the Museo de Antioquia, browsing the galleries of the Museo de Arte Moderno, learning some of the most powerful stories of the recent local past at the Museo Pablo Escobar, discovering the legacy of Carlos Gardel at the Museo Casa Gardeliana and having an alternative experience at the Museo Cementerio de San Pedro.

Located in the heart of Medellín and one of the city's most popular museums, the Museo de Antioquia is a cultural gem that offers visitors an exploration of the region's history, art and culture. In its rooms you can embark on a journey through time, from pre-Columbian times to the present, discovering the richness and diversity of Antioquian heritage.

One of the main attractions of the museum are the colonial and republican art collections, where works by renowned local artists such as Débora Arango, Pedro Nel Gómez and Fernando Botero are exhibited. Here you can discover the technique and profound expression that characterise these pieces, which reflect the identity and experiences of the people of Antioquia over the centuries.

In addition to art, the Museo de Antioquia also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore a range of contemporary issues, from politics to gender identity. These exhibitions offer a fresh and provocative look at Colombia's social and cultural reality, inviting reflection and dialogue among visitors.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 3 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm.
• Location: Cl. 52 #52-43, La Candelaria, Medellín.

The Pablo Escobar Museum in Medellín is a controversial site that attracts the interest of locals and tourists alike because of its connection to one of the most infamous figures in Colombia's recent history. This museum offers a controversial and complex look at the life and legacy of Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian drug lord who has been portrayed in countless series and films.

Located in the drug lord's former residence in the Los Olivos neighbourhood, the museum presents a collection of personal objects, photographs, documents and other items related to Escobar's life and criminal career, which began in the 1970s and lasted until his persecution and death in 1993.

Here you can explore various thematic areas ranging from Escobar's childhood and rise to power to his fall and legacy in Colombian society. Among the objects on display are luxury cars, firearms, communication radios, as well as photographs and videos documenting key moments in the life of the drug trafficker and his influence on the history of Colombia, both politically and socially.

Through these exhibitions, you will have the opportunity to better understand the impact of the figure of Pablo Escobar on Colombian society and the collective imagination, as well as to reflect on the ethical and moral complexities associated with his legacy. Nevertheless, it is one of the most visited museums in the city, as Escobar is often featured in some of the best tours of Medellín and a figure of curiosity for visitors.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 8 euros per person.
• Hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: Lower Traverse: Lower Traverse. El Poblado, Cl. 10b #28-90, El Poblado, Medellín.

If you want to visit one of the most interesting museums in Medellín, you can't miss the Museum of Modern Art, also known as MAMM, which is a space that celebrates creativity and innovation in the world of contemporary art. Located in the Ciudad del Rio neighbourhood, this exhibition offers a unique experience, where you can explore a variety of artistic expressions that defy traditional boundaries.

At MAMM, you can also find temporary exhibitions, featuring works by renowned local, national and international artists. From painting and sculpture to video art and multimedia installations, these exhibitions offer a diverse and stimulating overview of avant-garde trends in contemporary art.

In addition to exhibitions, the museum houses a permanent collection that highlights significant works by Colombian and foreign artists, providing a historical and contextual overview of the development of modern art in the region. Also, if you plan to buy tickets to the MAMM, you can dive into the creativity and experimentation of artists such as Fernando Botero, Alejandro Obregón and Beatriz González.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 6 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm.
• Location: Cra. 44 #19a-100, El Poblado, Medellín.

Explora Park in Medellín is a popular destination that combines education, entertainment and science in one place. This theme park, located in the northern sector of the city, offers a wide variety of interactive experiences and exhibitions that invite visitors to explore the fascinating world of science and technology.

One of the main attractions of Parque Explora is its aquarium, which houses a diversity of marine and aquatic species from different parts of the world. There you can admire tropical fish, sharks, rays and other marine animals in ponds that recreate their natural habitats, providing an immersive and educational experience about life in the oceans.

In addition to the aquarium, Parque Explora has a state-of-the-art planetarium, where audiovisual shows are projected that transport spectators through space and time, showing the wonders of the universe and astronomy in a captivating way. There you can contemplate stars, planets and galaxies from the comfort of a giant dome, enjoying a unique and educational experience.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 17 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: Cra. 53 #7375, Aranjuez, Medellín.

The Museo Casa de la Memoria in Medellín is a space dedicated to preserving historical memory and promoting reconciliation in Colombia. Located in the city centre, this exhibition provides an opportunity to learn about the conflicts and violence that have marked the country's history, as well as the peace and reconciliation initiatives that seek to build a future free of armed confrontation.

In the rooms of the Museo Casa de la Memoria you will find exhibitions that deal with topics such as the armed conflict of the FARC, human rights during the dictatorial governments and civil resistance during the years of the narco war. Through photographs, documents, testimonies and objects, the story of the victims is told and the importance of memory as a tool for social reconstruction is highlighted.

The museum's exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the importance of recognising and honouring the memory of the victims, as well as the need to promote processes of truth, justice and reparation to ensure that the crimes of the past are not repeated in the future. This is why its visit is often recommended in the best guided tours of Medellín.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm.
• Location: Parque Bicentenario, Cl. 51 #36-66, La Candelaria, Medellín.

One of the best ways to live an alternative experience in Medellín is to visit the San Pedro Cemetery Museum, a fascinating site that offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the city. This cemetery, founded in 1842, is one of the oldest and most emblematic of this destination, and is also an open-air museum, where you can find works of art, mausoleums and sculptures that tell the stories of illustrious figures.

Among the attractions of the San Pedro Cemetery Museum are the sculptures and funerary monuments that adorn its paths. Here you can admire the artistic talent of renowned Colombian and foreign sculptors, whose works reflect a wide range of styles and techniques. In addition, the cemetery houses the tombs of prominent figures in Medellín's history, such as politicians, writers, businessmen and public figures.

Exploring the San Pedro Cemetery Museum will also give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and traditions of Medellín. Through the inscriptions on the tombs and stories about the people buried there, you can discover fascinating aspects of local society and culture, as well as learn about events and eras that have left an indelible mark on Colombian society.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Opening hours: every day from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: Cra. 51 #68-68, Aranjuez, Medellín.

Located in the Manrique neighbourhood, the Casa Gardeliana Museum is a space dedicated to preserving and honouring the memory of the Argentine tango singer Carlos Gardel. This museum pays tribute to his emblematic figure and his profound influence on music and popular culture, both in Argentina and the rest of the world.

The choice of locating a Carlos Gardel museum in Medellín is not random, but is based on the fact that it was in this city that the singer performed for the last time, before his death in a plane crash in 1935 on the local runway of Olaya Herrera Airport. At this site, then, you can explore a collection of personal objects, photographs, records, costumes and memorabilia related to Carlos Gardel's life and career.

In addition to permanent exhibitions, the Museo Casa Gardeliana hosts a variety of cultural activities and events related to tango and Latin American music. From concerts and milongas to workshops and conferences, the museum offers a dynamic and participatory experience for tango aficionados and those interested in exploring the life and work of the Argentinean singer.

Interesting details

• Price: the entrance fee is a voluntary contribution.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: Cra. 45 #76-50, El Pomar, Medellín.

If during your trip you intend to visit one of the most traditional exhibitions in Medellín, you cannot miss the El Castillo Museum. This stately building, built in the early 20th century as the residence of the Echeverri family, is an exceptional example of neo-Gothic architecture in Colombia. Its structure and natural surroundings make this museum an unmissable destination for art, history and architecture lovers.

When you enter the El Castillo Museum you will find a large permanent collection of European and Colombian art ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Among the masterpieces on display are paintings, sculptures, furniture and decorative objects that reflect the elegance and refinement of the period. You can also see pieces by artists such as Renoir, Monet, Rodin and Zuluaga.

In addition to its valuable art collection, the El Castillo Museum offers temporary exhibitions exploring a variety of cultural and contemporary themes. These exhibitions offer an opportunity to discover new perspectives and artistic expressions, as well as to reflect on social and political issues relevant to today's society and the problems that afflict Colombia in particular.

The history of the El Castillo Museum is closely linked to the history of the city and the Echeverri family, who built this residence as a symbol of their social and cultural status. Over the years, the building has witnessed important events and transformations, becoming an icon of the city and a meeting point for the artistic and cultural community of Medellín.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 4 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: Cl. 9 Sur #32-269, El Poblado, Medellín.

The Geosciences Museum of the National University in Medellín is a destination that invites visitors to explore the world of geology and earth sciences. Located on the campus of the National University in Medellin, one of the most popular and prestigious in the country, this museum offers an educational and entertaining experience for people of all ages.

At the Geosciences Museum facilities you will find a wide variety of exhibits that address topics such as the formation of continents, volcanic activity, soil erosion and the geological history of Colombia. Through models, fossils, minerals and rock samples, you will learn about scientific concepts in a didactic and accessible way.

For children, the Geosciences Museum is an ideal place to awaken their curiosity and interest in science. Interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments give them the opportunity to experience the natural world firsthand, stimulating their imagination and encouraging participation in each of the activities.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: Av. 80 #65224, Villa Flora, Medellín.

Although not strictly located in Medellín but about 1.5 hours drive from the city, the Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park is one of Colombia's most visited exhibitions. Its history dates back to the 1980s, when drug lord Pablo Escobar built this hacienda as his personal retreat. However, after the fall of the Medellín cartel, the property was confiscated by the government and transformed into a theme park celebrating Colombian biodiversity and culture.

Today, this site attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique combination of history, nature and entertainment. In addition to numerous recreational activities, such as safaris and boat rides, the park is home to a wide variety of exhibits and museums that offer a comprehensive view of Colombia's wildlife and history. That's why it's often featured on the best excursions from Medellín.

Visitors can explore museums dedicated to the region's fauna and flora, as well as exhibits that highlight the importance of conservation and environmental preservation. In addition, the park features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the story of Pablo Escobar and how his voracity for wild animals led to the Hacienda Nápoles ecosystem.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 16 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: Kilometre 165 of the Medellín-Bogotá Highway.