In 2000 Fernando Botero gave the Banco de la República 123 of his own paintings and sculptures plus 85 works from his private collection, including pieces by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Chagall, Dalí and Bacon. The collection occupies a restored colonial house around a courtyard in La Candelaria and has never charged admission.
The Museo Botero occupies a restored colonial house with a garden courtyard at Calle 11 No. 4-41 in La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia. It exists because of a 2000 donation by the artist Fernando Botero to the Banco de la República: 123 of his own paintings and sculptures, plus 85 works from his private collection by international masters including Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Chagall, Dalí and Bacon. Admission has always been free, which makes it one of the best-value cultural stops in the historic centre.
Visitors move through galleries arranged around the courtyard. The Botero rooms hold his signature volumetric figures, including the plump portraits, still lifes, and satirical scenes of Colombian life, alongside bronzes in the courtyard and outdoor areas. The international collection is displayed separately and lets visitors compare the exaggerated forms of Botero with the European painters who influenced him. Wall texts are in Spanish and English, and the galleries are compact enough to follow without a guide.
A typical visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Free guided tours run in Spanish at noon and 5PM, and in English on Friday to Sunday at 3PM, which is a good way to understand the donation and the context behind particular works. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 9:00AM to 7:00PM, and Sunday and public holidays 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Crowds are heaviest on Sundays and holidays, when local families and tour groups arrive together, and at midday on Saturdays. Weekday mornings are calm, and the courtyard is pleasant for a pause between galleries. The museum sits a few minutes from the Museo del Oro, the Museo de Bogotá and Plaza de Bolívar, so it combines easily with a half-day walking route through La Candelaria. Bags may need to be checked at the entrance, and photography rules apply in some rooms, with signs indicating where images are restricted.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday and Wednesday-Saturday 9:00AM-7:00PM (last entry 6:30PM); Sunday and public holidays 10:00AM-5:00PM (last entry 4:30PM); closed Tuesdays |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; free guided tours run in Spanish at noon and 5PM and in English on Friday to Sunday at 3PM |
| Getting there | TransMilenio to Las Aguas station, then a six-block walk into La Candelaria |
| Address | Calle 11 No. 4-41, La Candelaria, Bogotá D.C., Colombia |
Location
Calle 11 No. 4-41, La Candelaria, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
4.5966, -74.0733 View on map
Highlights
- Botero's own donated paintings and sculptures in the signature rounded style
- Works by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Chagall, Dalí and Bacon from his private collection
- A restored colonial house with a garden courtyard
- Free admission and free guided tours in Spanish and English
Tips for visiting
- Entry is free, so budget time rather than money for the visit.
- Free tours run in Spanish at noon and 5PM, and in English Friday to Sunday at 3PM.
- The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
- Weekday mornings are the quietest; Sundays draw large local crowds.
- Pair the visit with the Museo del Oro and Museo de Bogotá nearby.
When to visit
Weekday mornings for quiet galleries, or Friday to Sunday at 3PM for the English-language tour. Sundays and holidays are the busiest.
Accessibility
The museum is housed in a restored colonial building, with a mix of level galleries and courtyard areas. Visitors who use wheelchairs should confirm accessible routes with the museum before visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Museo Botero take?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours. A guided tour adds structure and is worth timing the visit around.
Is the Museo Botero worth it for kids?
Yes, the rounded figures and humorous scenes are often engaging for children, and free admission makes a short visit low risk.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted in many galleries, though some rooms restrict it. Posted signs and staff instructions apply.
Does the museum charge admission?
No, admission is free for all visitors, including for the guided tours.