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 the city's character can be discovered in its best museums.

Among the best activities you can do in Medellín are visiting the Museum of Antioquia, touring the galleries of the Museum of Modern Art, learning about some of the most shocking stories of the recent local past at the Pablo Escobar Museum, discovering the legacy of Carlos Gardel at the Casa Gardeliana Museum, and enjoying an alternative experience at the San Pedro Cemetery Museum.

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

One of the museum's main attractions is its collections of colonial and republican art, which feature works by renowned local artists such as Débora Arango, Pedro Nel Gómez, and Fernando Botero. There you can discover the technique and profound expression that characterise these pieces, which reflect the identity and experiences of the Antioquian people throughout the centuries.

In addition to art, the Museum of Antioquia also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various contemporary themes, 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 per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
• Location: Cl. 52 #52-43, La Candelaria, Medellín.

The Pablo Escobar Museum in Medellín is a controversial site that arouses the interest of both locals and tourists due to 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 former residence of the drug lord in the Los Olivos neighbourhood, the museum presents a collection of personal items, photographs, documents and other items related to Escobar's life and criminal career, which began in the 1970s and continued until his pursuit and death in 1993.

Here you can explore various thematic areas ranging from Escobar's childhood and rise to power to his downfall 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 drug lord's life and his influence on Colombia's history, both politically and socially.

Through these exhibits, you will have the opportunity to better understand the impact 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 the focus of some of the best tours of Medellín and a figure of curiosity for visitors.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £8 per person.
• Opening hours: every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Lower Traverse. El Poblado, Cl. 10b #28-90, El Poblado, Medellín.

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

At MAMM, you will 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 the 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. If you plan to purchase tickets for the MAMM, you can immerse yourself in the creativity and experimentation of artists such as Fernando Botero, Alejandro Obregón and Beatriz González.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £6 per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: Cra. 44 #19a-100, El Poblado, Medellín.

Parque Explora in Medellín is a very popular destination that combines education, entertainment and science in one place. This theme park, located in the northern part 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 is home to 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 tanks 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 transport viewers through space and time, showcasing the wonders of the universe and astronomy in a captivating way. There you can gaze at stars, planets, and galaxies from the comfort of a giant dome, enjoying a unique and educational experience.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £17 per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Cra. 53 #7375, Aranjuez, Medellín.

The Casa de la Memoria Museum in Medellín is a space dedicated to preserving historical memory and promoting reconciliation in Colombia. Located in the city centre, this exhibition offers the 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 conflict.

In the rooms of the Casa de la Memoria Museum, you will find exhibitions that address topics such as the FARC armed conflict, human rights during dictatorial governments, and civil resistance during the years of the drug war. Through photographs, documents, testimonies, and objects, the history of the victims is narrated 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 understanding 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 a visit to the museum is often recommended in the best guided tours of Medellín.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
• Location: Bicentennial Park, Cl. 51 #36-66, La Candelaria, Medellín.

One of the best ways to enjoy 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. Founded in 1842, this cemetery is one of the oldest and most emblematic in the city. It 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. There 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 the history of Medellín, such as politicians, writers, businesspeople, 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 the stories about the people buried there, you can discover fascinating aspects of local society and culture, as well as learn about events and periods that have left an indelible mark on Colombian society.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission is free.
• Opening hours: every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Cra. 51 #68-68, Aranjuez, Medellín.

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

The decision to locate a Carlos Gardel museum in Medellín is not random, but based on the fact that it was in this city that the singer performed for the last time before dying in a plane crash in 1935 at the local Olaya Herrera Airport runway. Here, you can explore a collection of personal items, photographs, records, costumes and memorabilia related to the life and career of Carlos Gardel.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Museo Casa Gardeliana organises 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 enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the life and work of the Argentine singer.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is by voluntary contribution.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Cra. 45 #76-50, El Pomar, Medellín.

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

Upon entering the El Castillo Museum, you will find a rich permanent collection of European and Colombian art spanning 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 era. You can also admire pieces by artists such as Renoir, Monet, Rodin, and Zuluaga.

In addition to its valuable art collection, the El Castillo Museum offers temporary exhibitions that explore various cultural and contemporary themes. These exhibitions provide 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 on the problems afflicting 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 Medellín's artistic and cultural community.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately €4 per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Cl. 9 Sur #32-269, El Poblado, Medellín.

The National University Geosciences Museum 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 Medellín, one of the most popular and prestigious universities in the country, this museum offers an educational and entertaining experience for people of all ages.

At the Geosciences Museum, you will find a wide variety of exhibitions covering 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 scientific concepts in an educational and accessible way.

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

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Av. 80 #65224, Villa Flora, Medellín.

Although not strictly located in Medellín but approximately an hour and a half's drive from the city, the Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park is one of the most visited exhibitions in Colombia. 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 that celebrates 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 trips, the park is home to a wide variety of exhibitions and museums that offer a comprehensive overview of Colombia's wildlife and history. That is why this site is often the highlight of the best excursions from Medellín.

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

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £14 per person.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Kilometre 165 of the Medellín-Bogotá motorway.