Gold Museum Bogotá
The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) is Bogotá’s most popular museum and one of the best-known museums in South America. The museum in the heart of the city, has the largest collection of gold in the world from the period before Spanish rule.
Exhibits
The collection–with objects of silver, iron, copper, textiles and pottery in addition to gold–is spread over 3 floors, with descriptions in English and Spanish. There are over 55,000 objects, including 35,000 gold objects; each with its own significance in the rituals of Native American communities. The People & Gold exhibition is divided into the specific cultures/regions of Colombia. Other themes: Working of Metals and Offering room.
Poporo Quimbaya
In 1934, the Banco de la República began collecting Precolumbian artifacts to protect Colombia’s archaeological heritage. The first object in the collection was the 1,800-year-old Poporo Quimbaya, which was used in the chewing of coca leaves, a sacred ritual for the Indian community. Along with la Balsa Muisca, this object is one of the major attractions of the museum.
Entrance
- COP 5,000. Children up to 11 years and 60+ free
- Free admission every Sunday
- You can only pay cash with COP
- Audio guide: COP8000; English or Spanish
Guided tour (free with ticket purchase)
Tour lasts 1.5 hours
Tour English at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Tues-Sat)
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday and holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed: on Mondays (even if Monday falls on a holiday), Good Friday, May 1, 24, 25 and 31 December, January 1 and election days
Quietest time?
Early on weekdays, starting at 9 a.m. Due to free admission, it is very busy on Sundays.
How long to stay?
Minimum 2 hours, you can then do a guided tour or look around on your own, go to the souvenir store, have a coffee in the café or a bite to eat in the restaurant.
Facilities
Free wifi (ask at the information desk how to log in)
Safe deposit boxes
Wheelchair accessible
Check out here for updates and more information.
Updated March 2024
#NaarColombiaTips
#1 Take a cab
The Gold Museum is easily accessible by cab. If you want to return to the hotel after your visit, the staff at the information desk can call a cab for you.
If you travel by Transmilenio, head toward Las Aguas and get off at Museo del Oro station.
#2 Visit historic La Candelaria
After your museum visit, it’s fun to take a stroll around Bogotá’s historic district. Be careful with your belongings, though, as this touristy part of Bogotá attracts thieves in addition to tourists. It is safer not to walk the streets here after sunset.
