Medellín is not just about parties, there’s a lot of culture, history, and art! But what surprised me most when we started exploring is how many are free, how family-friendly most of them are, and how much my kids actually enjoyed them.
This is the most comprehensive list of museums in Medellín I could put together. Art, science, history, culture, outdoor experiences, anything I could find! With practical info for families. Bookmark this one, because whether you’re here for a week or a year, you won’t run out of museums to visit.
We haven’t visited all of these, yet! But best believe we will have fun exploring. Make sure you’re following on Instagram to keep up with our family adventures around Medellín.
Art Museums
Museo de Antioquia
If you go to just one, let this be it! El Museo de Antioquia is arguably Colombia’s most important art museum, and it’s home to over 100 works by Fernando Botero, making it the largest Botero collection in the world. The museum also houses colonial, religious, and modern art spanning centuries of Colombian history.
Even if your kids don’t know Botero by name, they’ll recognize his style immediately — the round, exaggerated figures are playful enough that our kids were pointing and laughing (in the best way) throughout. The guided tours at 2:00 p.m. daily are worth timing your visit around.
Location: Downtown La Candelaria, adjacent to Plaza Botero
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Foreigners COP$30,000 (~$8 USD); Colombians COP$16,000; students/seniors COP$12,000; kids under 7 free; Colombian residents Estrato 1–3 free
How to get there: Metro to Parque Berrío station
Ages: 5+ (younger kids will enjoy the Botero style too)
Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (MAMM)
The Modern Art Museum of Medellín is on par with art museums across the globe. Contemporary and modern art, a cinema room, a library, and a restaurant with views. The architecture alone is worth the visit!
The last Friday of every month from 6:00–10:00 p.m. is completely free.
Location: San Alejo
Hours: Mon–Wed 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Thu–Fri 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Sat–Sun 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: COP$16,500; foreigners COP$24,000; kids under 6 free; last Friday of month FREE 6–10 p.m.
Ages: 8+ (younger ones may enjoy the open spaces and architecture)
Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez
This one is a hidden gem. A historic house turned museum showcasing nearly 1,500 works by muralist Pedro Nel Gómez, one of Colombia’s most important 20th-century artists. The house itself is beautiful, with gardens, a library, pre-Columbian pottery, and stained-glass windows.
It’s free (with a suggested COP$8,000 voluntary donation).
Location: Aranjuez, near Universidad de Antioquia
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (tours about 1 hour)
Tickets: Free (COP$8,000 voluntary donation)
Ages: 5+
Museo El Castillo
A castle. In El Poblado. With art, gardens, and history. If you need to sell your kids on a museum visit, this is the one.
The castle-like mansion houses art exhibitions and history collections, but honestly, the kids spent most of their time exploring the extensive gardens. Guided tours are available if you want the full story behind the building.
Location: El Poblado
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (gardens open until 6:00 p.m. weekends)
Tickets: Adults COP$24,000; children/students COP$18,000; guided tours COP$27,000 (adults), COP$20,000 (kids); garden only COP$22,000 (adults)
Ages: 4+
Science and Interactive Museums
Parque Explora
I wrote a full post about Parque Explora because it deserves one. With 300+ interactive experiences, South America’s largest freshwater aquarium, a planetarium, outdoor dinosaurs, and a dedicated children’s room for little ones. Free for Medellín residents in estate 1-3 with a utility bill. It’s one of the best family attractions in the city that we keep going back to.
Location: Aranjuez, right at Universidad metro station
Hours: Tue–Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; closed Mondays
Tickets: ~COP$20,000 (~$5 USD) for visitors; family plan COP$68,000 for 4; free for Medellín residents estate 1-3; kids under 3 free
Ages: 2–16+
Planetario de Medellín
Part of the same complex as Parque Explora, the planetarium offers dome cinema shows about space and astronomy, plus 42 interactive science activities. There are kids’ shows specifically designed for families. Separate ticket from Parque Explora, but combo deals are available.
Hours: Tue–Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Thu until 6:00 p.m.); Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Separate admission; kids under 2 free for interactive floors; combo available with Parque Explora
Ages: 4+
Museo del Agua EPM (Water Museum)
An interactive museum about water — the water cycle, treatment, conservation — spread across 9 exhibition rooms. It’s one of those places where you think “how interesting can water be?” and then you look and it’s two hours later. The kids loved the hands-on experiments.
Location: La Candelaria, near Parque de los Pies Descalzos
Hours: Tue–Fri 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (last entry); Weekends 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; closed Mondays
Tickets: Colombians COP$8,000; foreigners COP$12,000; under 5 free; over 60 free; Estrato 1–3 with EPM bill (up to 4 people) free
Ages: 3+
Tip: Max 16 people per group, so it never feels crowded
Geosciences Museum
A small, free museum inside the National University of Colombia campus featuring minerals, fossils, and rocks. It’s intimate and educational — perfect for the kid who’s currently obsessed with rocks (we’ve all been there). Just note that it sometimes closes earlier than scheduled, so go in the morning to be safe.
Location: Ciudad Universitaria, Faculty of Mines
Hours: Mon & Sat 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Tue–Fri 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Ages: 5+
History and Culture
Pueblito Paisa
Pueblito Paisa is one of those must-do’s in Medellín. This absolutely free outdoor experience is a full-scale replica of a traditional pueblo Antioqueño with 360 degree views of the city. It is free to go up and walk around, plus there’s playground for kids just steps from the hilltop. There are also restaurants to grab lunch and souvenirs at the top and Museo de Cuidad (more on that below).
Location: Calle 30 # 55-64
Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m
Tickets: Free
Ages: 0+
Museo Casa de la Memoria
This is an important one. The House of Memory Museum is dedicated to the victims of Colombia’s armed conflict, with exhibits on displacement, violence, and personal testimonies presented through interactive media and visual art. It’s powerful, emotional, and an essential part of understanding this country’s history.
A note for families: the content is heavy. I’d recommend this for older kids and teens who can process the themes, and having a conversation before and after about what they’ll see. It’s worth it — but be prepared.
Location: Parque Bicentenario, downtown
Hours: Tue–Fri 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; closed Mondays
Tickets: Free
Ages: 10+ (emotionally heavy content — discuss beforehand)
Museo Fundación Aburrá
This museum has over 3,000 pre-Columbian art and cultural pieces that belong to the people of the Aburrá Valley in which Medellin is located. It often gets missed and overlooked but is a must visit if you love learning about indigenous history and culture of the region.
Location: Cl 44A #72-35, Laureles – Estadio, Medellín
Hours: Tue–Fri 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m; closed Mondays-Sunday
Tickets: Free
Ages: All ages (though not the most exciting for younger kids)
Palacio de Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe
A stunning historic palace right next to Plaza Botero that houses a library, historical archives, art galleries, and rotating exhibitions. The building itself — with its checkerboard brick facade — is a work of art. Free admission with ID.
Location: La Candelaria, downtown, adjacent to Plaza Botero
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sat 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; closed Sundays
Tickets: Free (bring ID/passport)
Ages: 6+
Museo Universitario – Universidad de Antioquia (MUUA)
A university museum with four diverse collections: Anthropology, Visual Arts, Natural Sciences, and History, with over 40,000 objects. They run educational programming for children and families, including games and art-based learning activities. A surprising amount of depth for a campus museum.
Location: Ciudad Universitaria
Hours: Tue–Fri 8:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.; Sat 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.; closed Sun–Mon
How to get there: Metro to Universidades station
Ages: 5+
Museo de Cuidad
Located in Pueblito Paisa, Museo de Cuidad tells history and culture in Medellín, and at the time of our visit, told the story of music around the city. There is a scale model of the entire city that is on permanent display.
Location: Cerro Nutibara (Pueblito Paisa)
Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
How to get there: Nearby Metro Station: Industriales, Nearby Metroplús stations: Industriales and Nutibara, Taxi or walk up to Pueblito Paisa
Tickets: $10.000 COP
Ages: 5+
Specialty and Unique Museums
Cementerio Museo San Pedro
A cemetery museum. I know, I know, but hear me out. This historic cemetery features incredible European artistic sculptures and monuments, and the guided tours have tons of info. Their “Noche de Luna Llena” (Full Moon Night) tours have live performances. It’s unlike anything else in the city.
Location: Centro
Hours: Daily 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; tours in Spanish and English (~2 hours)
Tickets: Free general admission; full moon tours COP$20,000 (free for Estrato 1–3)
Ages: Technically 8+ (discuss the setting age-appropriately beforehand)
Casa Gardeliana (Tango Museum)
A museum dedicated to Carlos Gardel, the legendary tango star who died in a plane crash in Medellín. It covers tango music and culture with a deep connection to the city’s history. They even offer tango classes on Monday evenings (COP$15,000 per person) if you’re feeling brave.
Location: Carrera 45 #76-50, Manrique
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (COP$7,000 voluntary donation suggested)
Ages: 7+
Outdoor Art Experiences
Plaza Botero
This is an outdoor plaza that everyone can enjoy. Located en el Centro with 23 bronze Botero sculptures in his world famous style for depicting people and animals. It’s free, it’s open 24 hours, and it’s right next to Museo de Antioquia.
Best visited between 9–11 a.m. or 3–5 p.m. for comfortable temperatures and good light for photos.
Location: La Candelaria, downtown
Admission: Free, always
Ages: All ages, and yes the kids WILL want to touch every sculpture
Comuna 13 Street Art Tours
I am always hesitant to mention Comuna 13 and it’s not because it’s dangerous. But we need to keep in mind ethical travel, and Comuna 13 tourism isn’t always ethical. Not a museum, but more of a walking, living art and history tour. But I wanted to mention this here because of the following….
It’s by far one of Medellín’s most transformed neighborhoods. Once among the most dangerous, now known worldwide for its vibrant murals, escalators, and community pride. The street art tells the story of resilience, and the local guides bring it to life.
I think it is important to understand the history of Medellín before coming here, and not glorifying the history and past of this neighborhood. Which is why it’s most important to only go with a local guide. Make sure that your tourism is supporting those who live there, not those who want to profit off the sensationalism.
Tours typically take 3–4 hours and involve walking, stairs, and escalators. There are tip-based free walking tours daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (suggested tip COP$40,000–80,000), or private tours from COP$80,000–150,000.
Ages: 8+ (involves walking and some heavy history; younger kids may tire)
Tip: Go with a local guide. No negotiations.
Nature “Museums”
Jardín Botánico de Medellín
14 hectares of botanical beauty with 1,000+ plant species, free-roaming turtles and iguanas, a butterfly house, and a lagoon. It’s free (butterfly house COP$8,000, free for kids under 1 meter). Pack a picnic or eat at In Situ, the fine-dining restaurant on site.
Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Ages: All ages
Parque Arví
A 16,000+ hectare ecological reserve with 54+ km of hiking trails, an insect museum, a butterfly farm, and an environmental center. The Metrocable ride to get there is an experience in itself. Park entry is free; you just pay for the cable car (~COP$25,000 roundtrip).
Hours: Tue–Sun 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; closed Mondays
Insect Museum & Butterfly House: COP$20,000–30,000
Ages: 4+ (trail difficulty varies)
Parque de la Conservación (formerly Santa Fe Zoo)
Over 900 animals from 238 species, including a majority of native Colombian species like Andean condors, eagles, and anacondas and a few exotic creatures. A solid park with an Andean wildlife conservation focus for animals who were victim to trafficking.
There are also two playgrounds for kids to run around and parents can rest. This is 100% worth the visit and a must to support the amazing work they do.
Tickets: Adults COP$20,000; children COP$12,000
Ages: 3+
Free Museums and Free Days
One of the best things about Medellín’s museum scene is how much of it is free or has free days. Here’s your cheat sheet:
*Always free: Plaza Botero, Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez (donation-based), Museo Casa de la Memoria, Palacio de Cultura, Casa Gardeliana (donation-based), Jardín Botánico, Parque Arví (park entry), Cementerio Museo San Pedro, Geosciences Museum
Free for residents: Parque Explora (with utility bill), Museo de Antioquia (Estrato 1–3), Museo del Agua (Estrato 1–3 with EPM bill)
Free days: MAMM — last Friday of every month, 6:00–10:00 p.m.
*Always free either by donation or with proof of estrato 1-3.
Best Museum-Hopping Neighborhoods
La Candelaria (Downtown) — Museo de Antioquia + Plaza Botero + Palacio de Cultura + Museo del Agua + Casa de la Memoria — all within a 5-minute walk of each other. You could spend a full day here and never run out of things to see.
Aranjuez — Parque Explora + Planetario + Jardín Botánico + Casa Museo Pedro Nel Gómez + MUUA. The science and nature hub. Perfect for families with younger kids.
El Poblado — Museo El Castillo + galleries + fine dining. The most upscale museum experience, in the largest tourist neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
Medellín has invested so deeply in culture, education, and transformation that you feel it everywhere, in the murals on the walls, in the free museums open to everyone, in the interactive spaces designed to spark curiosity.
For our family, museums have become one of the best worldschooling tools we have. My kids are learning about Colombian history, science, art, and ecology not from textbooks, but from walking through the places that tell those stories. Y eso no tiene precio.
Follow our adventures through Medellín and beyond on Instagram and YouTube. Did I miss a museum? Let me know in the comments as this list is always growing!
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