Museum of Colonial Art

BogotáColombia 4° N · 74° W Verified Jul 2025

Nestled in the heart of Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria district, the Museo de Arte Colonial offers visitors an immersive journey into Colombia’s rich…

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Museum of Colonial Art

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria district, the Museum of Colonial Art (Museo de Arte Colonial) offers an immersive journey into Colombia’s colonial past. Housed in the beautifully preserved 17th-century Las Aulas Cloister—a former Jesuit college recognized as a national monument—the museum showcases an extensive collection of religious and secular art, decorative objects, and historical artifacts. Since its founding in 1942, the museum has grown into a pivotal cultural institution, preserving, studying, and interpreting the artistic and social legacies of the colonial period. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to plan your visit, from opening hours and ticket prices to collection highlights, accessibility, and nearby attractions (Frommer’s, Museo Colonial official site, Lonely Planet).

Colonial Art Museum of Bogotá facade in 1948
Historic Colonial Art Museum of Bogotá facade captured in 1948, showcasing classic colonial architecture and cultural heritage
Colonial Art Museum of Bogotá early 20th century building exterior
Exterior view of the Colonial Art Museum of Bogotá in the early 20th century showcasing colonial architectural style.
First public water fountain in Bogotá from the 16th century located in Plaza Mayor
Historic first public water fountain of Bogotá from the 16th century, originally situated in Plaza Mayor (now Plaza de Bolívar), a foundational piece and silent witness of the city's history.
Baroque canopy from late 18th century New Granada with golden corn and acanthus leaves
The canopy is a clear example of the artistic and craft movements of late 18th century New Granada. Its baroque style features local characteristics like golden corn elements interacting with traditional acanthus leaves, likely crafted by the renowned carver Pedro Caballero's workshop.
Wooden polychrome sculpture of San Joaquin and the child Maria from 1746 by Pedro Laboria
Wooden polychrome sculpture depicting San Joaquin taking the hand of his daughter Maria, created in 1746 by Pedro Laboria. The sculpture, originally from the convent of the Discalced Carmelites, highlights intricate compositional techniques such as rich gilding and lifelike skin texture emulation. I

Historical Background and Museum Evolution

Origins and Colonial Context

The museum is housed in the Las Aulas Cloister, one of Bogotá’s oldest surviving buildings. This structure, built by the Jesuits in the early 1600s, served as both a college and a religious center. The building itself is an architectural treasure, featuring thick adobe walls, internal courtyards, and wooden balconies that reflect the Spanish colonial style. Its preservation as a national monument offers visitors a tangible connection to Bogotá’s colonial era (Frommer’s, Lonely Planet).

Founding and Museum Development

Established in 1942, the Museo de Arte Colonial was created to protect and interpret Colombia’s colonial artistic and cultural heritage. Early collections were sourced from ecclesiastical holdings, private donations, and state acquisitions, centering on religious art, furniture, and everyday objects from the 17th and 18th centuries. Over time, the museum expanded its scope, integrating a wider array of artifacts and increasing its focus on contextual and critical interpretations of colonial history (Frommer’s).

Renovations and Modernization

Between 2014 and 2017, the museum underwent extensive renovations to restore the historic cloister, improve conservation facilities, and modernize exhibition spaces. The revitalized galleries now offer thematic and chronological displays, integrating multimedia resources and bilingual interpretation to enhance accessibility for both local and international visitors (Lonely Planet).

Visiting the Museum: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Closed on Mondays and public holidays

Always check the official website for updates, especially around holidays.

Tickets and Admission

  • General Admission COP 10,000 (approx. USD 3)
  • Discounted Tickets Students, seniors, and children receive reduced rates
  • Children under 12 Often free of charge
  • How to Buy At the entrance or online via the official website

(WhichMuseum)

Accessibility

Recent renovations have improved accessibility, with ramps and elevators in key areas. Some historic sections may remain challenging due to stairs and uneven floors. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the museum in advance for assistance.

Facilities

  • Restrooms Available on site
  • Gift Shop Small selection of souvenirs
  • Café Light refreshments available
  • Seating Benches in some galleries and the courtyard

Collection Highlights and Exhibition Approach

Collection Origins and Scope

The museum’s collection traces its roots to private donations and ecclesiastical assets transferred during the 19th century, particularly following expropriation policies in the 1860s. Today, it houses nearly 2,000 pieces spanning the 16th to 18th centuries, making it one of Colombia’s premier repositories of colonial art (academia-lab.com).

Notable Categories

  • Religious Art
    • Altarpieces and Retablos Ornate, gilded wood structures
    • Polychrome Sculptures Used in processions and rituals
    • Paintings Works by Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos, including the celebrated “Virgen de la Leche”
  • Cuzco School Paintings Vivid, syncretic works blending European and Andean traditions
  • Decorative Arts
    • Furniture Chests, tables, and cabinets, often inlaid and carved
    • Silverwork Chalices, monstrances, and liturgical objects
    • Textiles Embroidered vestments and altar cloths
  • Secular Art and Portraiture Oil portraits of colonial elites, urban scenes, and genre paintings
  • Archival Materials Manuscripts, religious texts, and personal correspondence

Curation Philosophy

The museum’s curatorial approach emphasizes thematic organization and narrative storytelling, exploring topics such as religious devotion, social hierarchies, and the complexities of colonial identity. The 2017 renovation introduced interactive displays, improved lighting, and bilingual labels, making the museum’s history and collections accessible to a diverse audience (academia-lab.com).

Historic Setting

The museum is set within the “Casa de las Aulas,” a colonial-era cloister with arcaded courtyards and wooden ceilings. The chapel, notable for historic events such as the first performance of Colombia’s national anthem, now houses key religious works (academia-lab.com).

Guided Tours, Educational Programs, and Events

  • Guided Tours Available in Spanish and English; inquire at the reception or book in advance
  • Workshops and Lectures Regularly scheduled for students, families, and scholars
  • Temporary Exhibitions Rotating displays highlight contemporary themes and new research
  • Digital Resources Virtual tours and scholarly articles are accessible on the museum website (GPSmyCity)

Practical Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There

  • Address Carrera 6 No. 9-77, La Candelaria, Bogotá
  • Transport Easily accessible by foot, taxi, or public transit; nearby TransMilenio stations and bus lines

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
  • Language Most signage is in Spanish; basic Spanish or a translation app is helpful (Xixerone)
  • Weather Bogotá’s climate is variable—bring layers and an umbrella (Xixerone)
  • Safety La Candelaria is generally safe by day; exercise standard precautions (Xixerone)
  • Photography Allowed without flash in most galleries; check for restrictions

Nearby Attractions

  • Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) Pre-Columbian gold artifacts
  • Plaza Bolívar Bogotá’s main square with historic buildings
  • Botero Museum Artworks by Fernando Botero and international artists
  • Santa Clara Church Museum Baroque art and architecture

(WhichMuseum, Visit Bogotá)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Museum of Colonial Art Bogotá visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: General admission is COP 10,000 (~USD 3), with discounts for students, seniors, and children.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Yes, via the official website or at the entrance.

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps and elevators in most areas; contact in advance for specific needs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Spanish and English; inquire at the desk or book online.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, without flash in most areas. Always confirm with staff.

Q: What other sites are nearby?
A: The Gold Museum, Plaza Bolívar, Botero Museum, and Santa Clara Church Museum are all within walking distance.

  • “Exterior view of Museo de Arte Colonial Bogotá”
  • “Colonial paintings inside Museo de Arte Colonial”
  • “Las Aulas Cloister courtyard in Bogotá”

Virtual tours and multimedia guides are available on the official museum website.

Next stop

2 min walk Teatro Colón Read on →