Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero, Medellin

Every now and then you find a gem when traveling. This was so awesome I had to create a separate blog post to capture details for art lovers. Uhmmmm let me just confess, before this trip I’d never heard of Fernando Botero. Now after strolling through the park and museum I’m a fan. No visit to Medellin would be complete without exploring the Museum of Antioquia and Plaza Botero.

Plaza Botero

Twenty-three voluptuous and lovable sculptures live here. All the pieces were donated by Fernando Botero himself. Botero is Colombia’s best-loved sculptor and one of Latin America’s most celebrated artists. His works includes voluptuous ladies, fat cats, portly Roman soldiers, and chubby men on even chunkier horses.

Plaza Botero is located in the Old Quarter of Medellín, close to the Parque Berrio Metro Station in the center of the city. Specifically installed by the city between the Palacio de Cultura Uribe Uribe and the Museo de Antioquia in 2002 as part of an urban renewal program. It’s a popular tourist destination, and can get a little crowded, so you might have to be patient getting photos and watch out for pickpockets. There are cafes with all kinds of pastries and yes excellent coffee hot or chilled.

Museum

Here you will find the exhibition of Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez. I paid 18,000 pesos for my ticket as a foreigner. I believe Colombians pay 12,000. There is also a 50% discount if you are over 60 or a student. It was the first museum established in Antioquia department and the second in Colombia. Fernando Botero was born in Medellin in 1932. Botero went to school to become a bullfighter (featured widely his artwork), but decided to pursue the arts. He studied the works of famous European artists when he moved to live in Europe.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I was not rushed and I wandered around at my own pace. There were 5 or 6 floors. Best way is to take the elevator to the top and make your way down.

I took hundreds of photos. Check out my favorite ones in the gallery.