Some of Bogotá’s museums are world-class. Weekdays are best for museum-hopping, as Saturdays and Sundays can be very busy.
The famous Gold Museum contains thousands of priceless objects in the well-lit displays. The collections display everything from ornate breastplates and eerie masks to intricately wrought earrings and expertly crafted pendants. One of the museum’s most prized possessions is an elaborate sculpture of the ceremonial “El Dorado” raft crafted by a Muisca artisan.
Carrera 6 15-88. Tel. (57) 1-343-2222.
Previously, the works of Fernando Botero, with all their relentless chubbiness, have left me cold. But the paintings in this gem of a museum completely won me over, most notably the still lives and the Old Master-style portraits. The museum also has a small but well-curated selection of works by modern artists such as Francis Bacon, Marc Chagall, Jean Dubuffet and Max Ernst.
Calle 11 4-41. Tel. (57) 1-343-1316.
Inside this breathtaking church, a barrel-vaulted ceiling richly embellished with gold and blue floral motifs draws the eye to a three-tiered golden altarpiece. Near the altar, a door leads to a forbidding tunnel-like passage that eventually opens into an exhibition space.
Carrera 8 8-91. Tel. (57) 1-337-6762.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
