August 7, 2019, 5:11 pm

Walk down the cobbled streets of Bogotá’s historic center called La Candelaria, and you will find Museo Botero not far from the popular Bolívar Square. The museum is actually located inside a very old mansion that compliments the neighborhood’s traditional feel.

Museo Botero features the drawings, paintings and sculptures of Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The first piece that visitors encounter is a giant hand that some say looks like it’s flipping the bird. It’s a warm welcome into the museum.

After seeing a few of Botero’s works, it will become clear he has an unforgettable style. Let’s put it this way-- most the subjects of his work have a lot of junk in their trunks. Botero doesn’t shy away from featuring belly rolls, double chins and thunder thighs. His paintings pop with color and captivate visitors with their fun scenes and round characters.

Botero donated more than 200 pieces of art to the Banco de la República back in 2000. Most of those pieces were works by Botero himself. The others were works by international artists. The museum also features art from Picasso, Renoir, Dalí and Matisse. Much like Colombian Noble Prize winning writer Gabriel García Márquez, Botero is a big deal in Colombia.

For history lovers, parts of the museum feature pre-Columbian artifacts and information about indigenous people from Colombia. There’s also an area specifically for kids. And if all that art-viewing worked up an appetite, visitors can sip some coffee and nibble on pastries in the museum’s café/restaurant.

Museo Botero is located on a beautiful piece of property. Colorful flowers dot a courtyard which features a fountain in the center. Benches surround the perimeter and mountaintops can be spotted peaking between the buildings.

This is certainly a place you would want to visit if you’re on a budget because entrance is free. Just remember it’s closed on Tuesdays. Depending on how closely you study each piece, it will take about two to three hours to get through all the exhibits. Guided tours are available and the staff is very friendly.

If you can figure out how to use the Transmilenio bus system, the museum is located near to the bus station called Museo de Oro. Visitors staying in hotels or hostels located in La Candelaria can just walk there instead of dealing with the bus.

Museo Botero is definitely something to add to the list of “must-sees” during your tour in Bogotá.

Share with your traveller friends!