The art scene in Bogotá has been growing exponentially over the last decade. Just driving into the city from the airport has become a visual appetizer of sorts with some of the city’s biggest sponsored murals lining the main artery of Avenida El Dorado (Calle 26). This open-air museum makes wandering the streets in search of striking visuals a fun and rewarding way to discover the city (and walk off all the food you’ll be ingesting).
Thanks to the decriminalization of graffiti in 2011, Bogotá is one of the most street-art-friendly cities on Earth and a real mecca for art lovers. Head to the historical part of the city, La Candelaria, for some of the best work from local and international artists spread on everything from storefronts to hotels and parks.
The murals are so condensed around here that you need to do a 360 on every corner to catch them all and I’d say it’s probably not even possible seeing how many there are (I heard it was around 6000?). There’s a famous graffiti tour that operates daily and is often led by artists themselves. It gives great information on the various artists and themes and is totally worth your time if you can squeeze it in.
While you’re in La Candelaria, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Botero Museum set in a beautiful colonial mansion.
If the name Fernando Botero doesn’t ring a bell, the moment you lay your eyes on his chubby characters will surely bring a smile to your face in obvious recognition.
Although his home is in Medellin, Colombia’s most famous living artist has donated more than 100 of his own works along with a large number of paintings from his personal collection (including some Picasso, Monet and Matisse) to Banco de la República which has created the museum and made them available to view free of charge in Bogotá since 2000.
The term “Boterismo” now refers to his particular aesthetic of bloated figures and objects, an entirely unique perspective that is beloved in Colombia and all over the world.
He’s also a gifted sculptor and you’ll get to admire his love of curves in 3D with numerous bronze statues displayed across the museum.
I don’t think I can get over how adorable these nudes are… as I walk out to feast on carbs and meat as one does here. 😉
A few blocks away, it’s a different kind of art you’ll see in Bogotá’s Museo del Oro.
The museum houses the most famous jewelry exhibit in the world with its collection of gold and emeralds and it’s only a fraction of what’s on display. It’s one of the most visited sites in the country and deserves a part of your day – ideal activity for a rainy day or when you need a break from chasing murals up steep alleyways!
With roughly 30,000 pieces, the immense collection can draw you in for hours. Follow your gaze and get close to what catches your eyes – some are so intricate it’s incredible to think of the craftmanship that existed hundreds of years ago.
More than eye candy, it’s a fascinating look into the various indigenous populations that called the region home in pre-Hispanic times. There’s stunning jewelry of course, but also ceremonial masks, funeral vessels, housewares, statues, etc…. which honestly would all look dazzling in my home today.
Some artifacts are so special that they even have a dedicated room, such as the below Balsa Muisca, or Muisca Raft – the museum’s star attraction. Discovered in a cave outside Bogotá, this miniature raft is directly connected to the legend of El Dorado. It represents the initiation ceremony during which the heir to the chieftainship covered his body with gold dust and jumped into the lake (Guatavita) along with gold offerings and emeralds to the gods. It’s only about 10 inches long and is made of 229 grams of pure gold with some copper and silver.
In El Retiro, modern shopping malls are adorned with vivid murals and art galleries stand next to apparel stores, proof that Bogotá’s commitment to arts truly transcends neighborhoods.
With over 100 commercial galleries, there’s something for everyone and an ever expanding platform for local talent to shine.
Venture a bit outside the city center to step into the wonderful world of Distrito Graffiti – an industrial district turned outdoor gallery.
The city has invited over 50 artists to unleash their creative expression over two long blocks of warehouses to marvelous effects.
With walls as high as seven stories, the sky’s the limit for these stunning murals, depicting everything from women’s rights and tribal communities to wildlife and cartoon characters. Feast your eyes and learn about what’s on Bogotanos’ minds walking its streets and keeping your head up.
