The Botero Museum houses an exceptional art collection in a colonial mansion in the historic center of Bogota, the result of a donation made to the Colombian state by painter and sculptor Fernando Botero. Here you'll find both his own works with their distinctive rounded silhouettes and pieces by Picasso, Monet, Dalí and Toulouse-Lautrec, arranged according to a layout conceived by the artist himself.

Why visit the Botero Museum

• An international collection considered one of the most significant in Latin America, featuring major signatures from the 20th century.
• Over 120 works by Fernando Botero, paintings and sculptures, presented in the artist's homeland.
• A museum layout frozen in time by Botero himself: no sales, loans, or relocation of pieces.
• Free admission, a condition expressly stipulated by the donor.
• A rare architectural setting: a 1724 colonial residence in the heart of La Candelaria.

History of the Botero donation

The museum was founded in 2000, following a donation of over 200 works by Fernando Botero to the Colombian state. Before becoming a patron, the painter was himself a collector: he first accumulated pre-Columbian pieces, then colonial art, before turning to modern painting, drawing and sculpture. His works were then dispersed across his apartments in New York, Paris, Monte Carlo, Pietrasanta and Switzerland's Banco de Bogota.

In the 1990s, Botero considered bequeathing this ensemble to the Museum of Antioquia in Medellín, his native city. Bogota's mayor at the time, Enrique Peñalosa, proposed that he instead donate part of the collection to the capital. The artist agreed, on one firm condition: complete free admission to the museum, so that everyone could access art without barriers.

Fernando Botero, who passed away in 2023, personally organized the display of the rooms and wished that the works never be sold, loaned or relocated. The museum operates today in strict compliance with this wish.

What to see at the Botero Museum

The building itself deserves attention: a 1724 colonial mansion organized around a patio, whose renovated rooms serve as a setting for the collections.

The Botero collection

Over 120 works by the artist are on display: paintings, drawings and sculptures, mainly from the 20th century. You'll recognize his style through figures with rounded forms, inspired by pre-Columbian art and Colombian popular culture, as well as landscapes reminiscent of Medellín, still lifes and reinterpretations of great masters. Monumental bronze sculptures punctuate the exhibition.

The international collection

The museum also presents a selection of works by foreign artists gifted by Botero: Picasso, Monet, Miquel Barceló, Dalí, Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as moderns like Chagall, Giacometti and Bacon depending on the rooms. This ensemble is considered one of the most important collections of international art in Latin America.

The arrangement envisioned by the artist

The arrangement of the works was conceived by Fernando Botero himself. The tour therefore follows an artist's logic rather than a curator's, with direct dialogues between a European canvas and a Colombian sculpture.

Practical information

• Admission: free entry.
• Opening days: open most days except Tuesday; more limited hours on Sundays and public holidays. Check current opening times before your visit.
• Duration of visit: allow 1 to 2 hours depending on your interest in the international collection.
• Things to note: photography permitted without flash, cloakroom available for large bags.

How to get there

The museum is located in the La Candelaria neighborhood, close to Plaza Bolívar. From north Bogota, the simplest option is to take the TransMilenio to Las Aguas or Museo del Oro stations, then finish on foot (5 to 10 minutes). By taxi or rideshare, count 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic from neighborhoods like Chapinero or Usaquén. The historic center is very walkable, making it easy to combine several visits in the same half-day.

Nearby attractions

• Gold Museum: the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian goldwork, 10 minutes' walk away.
• Plaza Bolívar: historic square surrounded by the cathedral, Capitol and Palace of Justice.
• La Candelaria: colonial streets, street art and cafés, ideal for extending your visit.
• Monserrate Hill: panoramic views over Bogota, accessible by funicular or cable car.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

The Botero Museum fits naturally into a discovery of the capital's historic center and, more broadly, Colombian artistic heritage. To build an itinerary combining Bogota, the Caribbean coast and the coffee region, explore our travel ideas for Colombia.