The house served as the headquarters for the Royal Botanical Expedition, which remains one of the most ambitious scientific projects conducted in the Spanish Americas.
José Celestino Mutis spent several years in Mariquita conducting research, making the town a focal point for 18th-century botany.
The expedition produced over 6,000 highly detailed botanical illustrations, many of which are housed in the Real Jardín Botánico in Madrid, with copies displayed here.
The site was a training ground for prominent figures who later became key leaders in the movement for Colombian independence.
Mariquita was chosen by Mutis specifically for its unique geography, which encompasses diverse thermal floors within a small radius.
The House of the Botanical Expedition is a colonial-era property in Mariquita, Tolima, serving as the historical site where the Royal Botanical Expedition to the New Kingdom of Granada was based starting in 1783. This institution honors the work of José Celestino Mutis, who led an extensive scientific survey of the region's flora and fauna. The building retains original architecture typical of the 18th century, featuring a central courtyard and thick, white-washed masonry walls. It displays a collection of botanical plates, scientific instruments, and historical documents related to the expedition's findings. The site acts as both a museum and a cultural center dedicated to preserving the legacy of enlightenment-era science in Colombia. It is recognized for its role in identifying thousands of plant species and training local naturalists who later influenced the country's independence movement.
The internal colonial courtyard, which offers the best natural light for photographing the traditional architectural structure.
Engage a local guide to explain the context of the botanical illustrations, as descriptions are primarily in Spanish.
Visit during the morning to avoid the intense midday heat typical of the Tolima region.
Check the archives for seasonal exhibitions of historical reproductions.
Do not mistake this for a contemporary botanical garden; it is a historical museum focusing on documents and history rather than a living greenhouse.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid touching the historical artifacts and display cases.
