The building itself was once the Medellín Municipal Palace and is a protected national architectural monument.
Fernando Botero donated over 100 works to the museum, many of which were personally selected by the artist.
The museum sits directly facing Plaza Botero, which features 23 additional monumental bronze sculptures by the artist.
The site originally functioned as the Zea Museum before undergoing a major expansion and rebranding in the early 2000s.
The museum's collection includes significant pieces from the 'School of Medellin', a movement defined by its focus on the human condition.
The Museum of Antioquia is the oldest museum in the Antioquia department, founded in 1881 as the Museum of Zea. It is internationally renowned for housing the world's largest collection of works by Fernando Botero, the Colombian master famous for his 'Boterismo' style. The museum is located in the historic heart of Medellín, occupying the former municipal palace building. It spans multiple floors, featuring pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial art, and contemporary installations. The museum's courtyard serves as a permanent gallery for oversized bronze sculptures. It maintains an extensive archive covering regional history from the 19th century to the present day.
The interior atrium featuring the hanging bronze sculptures or the view from the museum steps overlooking Plaza Botero.
Prioritize the permanent Botero galleries on the upper levels before exploring the rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Check the museum's digital calendar for temporary pop-up exhibits that change quarterly.
Use the museum's internal balcony for an elevated view of the surrounding Plaza Botero sculptures.
Do not wander into the surrounding La Candelaria streets after dark; remain within the well-lit, police-patrolled areas immediately adjacent to the plaza.
Open daily; closed on certain public holidays.
Photography is generally permitted without flash; maintain a quiet tone in the galleries.
