Bogota

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Museo Nacional de Colombia

More Photos
HPWT
HPWT
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
4
Photos
Editor Pick

Museo Nacional de Colombia

  • June 25, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by HPWT from Miami, Florida
Museo Nacional de Colombia

Like most trips, I’m flying solo on this one… The National Museum of Colombia is a worth while experience for any traveler. The building itself holds its own history of being a progressive prison for its time as well as holding the history of its country from before the discovery in 1492. Frequent exhibitions that tour internationally also find a place to showcase other touring wonders of the world. It was my luck to experience the exhibition “Los Guerreros de Terracota” which translates roughly to “The Warriors of Ceramic”, an exhibition that starts in China 227 years BC.

If you intend to visit the museum, ensure you are there early, it opens at 10:00am but the lines build up quickly after that. I have heard since my visit that it’s free Sundays. If you’re out for a cheep but gratifying experience this might be a good one to consider. Even if you have to pay, it was only about $5000.00 pesos or the equivalent to $2 USD, so it’s not that bad either way. I would schedule a good breakfast before entering because once you’re in; you will get distracted with the interactive room or with the tour guides of the exhibits which start at 10:00am and 3:00pm. Not my personal favorites but an option never the less.

The staff was courteous and attentive, it is not a big museum in terms of square feet but I spent 5 1/2 hours walking its halls. If it wasn’t for time constraints, I would have spent much longer taking in the history and the stories that it tells. As I mentioned, it was a prison, 3 stories high, and to date two cells are maintained and used for show casing and for visitors to walk into and fill the limited space that long gone inmates occupied. Don’t forget other gifts of the museum; Simon Bolivar’s trinkets, his final official letter and a “rock” from space weighing 479lbs.

The museum does not offer much for food but it has a quaint restaurant on the first floor, leading to a garden with a few interesting sculptures. I did not eat there and would not plan on eating there if I make it back for a second visit. Just outside the Museum, there are plenty of restaurants that you could choose from. Just crossing the street you will be able to take your pick of Colombian goodies to your hearts contentment. By the way, lunch in Colombia goes from 12:00pm to about 2:00pm. Enjoy!!! As for the museums gift shop, it’s small but it should have everything you need in terms of memorabilia related to temporary exhibitions or the museum itself. I recommend always paying with cash since credit card fraud is a concern. I hope that some if not all of this information is useful if you plan to visit the country. It’s an incredible place, still dangerous in many ways but not like the movies… Chao!

Sincerely,


Have passport, will travel!

From journal Colombia For 6 Months

Compare Bogota Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Bogota Travel Deals