3 Best Sights in Medellín, Colombia

Casa de la Memoria

Fodor's choice
This museum bears witness to the nation's tempestuous and violent past by commemorating the victims, investigating the roots of the conflict, and offering a hopeful view of the future. The museum's slogan, "Stories that move us to build peace," conveys its mission through the use of engaging, and at times heartrending, exhibitions that take visitors deep into the country's collective memory. Even if you don't speak a word of Spanish, the museum is worth a visit as there is enough information in English to get by, and some of the powerful video interviews are subtitled. Tours can be arranged in advance through the website.

Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero

Fodor's choice

The Antioquia Museum contains a collection of 188 paintings and sculptures by native son Fernando Botero. Known for depicting people and objects with a distinctive "thickness," Botero donated part of his personal collection to the museum (the bulk of his gift went to Bogotá). The plaza out front completes the Botero circle, with 23 sculptures dotted between trees, benches filled with chatting locals, and two fountains designed by the artist as well. The museum also offers a grand overview of Colombian art, with salons dedicated to pre-Hispanic, colonial, Republican, and contemporary art. There are free tours in Spanish daily, which take in both the museum and the works in the plaza. English-speaking guides are available, but tours have to be organized at least two days in advance.

Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín

Since 2009, el MAMM has been housed in this former steel factory, with a 2015 expansion adding the distinctive stacked cuboid second and third stories, a gift shop, and coffee shop. The permanent exhibition of Colombian artist Debora Arango's pastel expressionist paintings are a highlight, but the rotating exhibitions in the principal salons are generally well curated.
Cra. 44 #19A-100, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
4-444–2622
Sights Details
Rate Includes: 10,000 pesos, Closed Mon.

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