Museo de Arte del Banco de la República
About
This free art museum in Bogota's historic La Candelaria district offers specially designed family workshops and cultural activities that make art accessible and fun for young visitors. With rotating exhibitions, interactive programs, and dedicated spaces for children to engage with Colombian and international art, it's a wonderful way to introduce kids to Latin American culture while escaping Bogota's hustle and bustle.
Highlights
- ✓Free family art workshops on weekends, including painting, drawing, and sculpture activities
- ✓Rotating exhibitions featuring Colombian and Latin American artists with vibrant, kid-friendly works
- ✓Interactive gallery guides designed specifically for children and families
- ✓Beautiful colonial building architecture that's part of the cultural experience
- ✓Special programming during school holidays and cultural festivals
Pro Tips
- 1.The museum is completely free, but check their website before visiting to register for popular weekend family workshops which often fill up quickly.
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings when school groups aren't present for a quieter, more relaxed experience with the art.
- 3.The museum is located in La Candelaria, Bogota's historic center. Combine your visit with exploring the colorful colonial streets and Plaza Bolivar nearby.
- 4.English signage is limited, so download a translation app or ask about English-language family guides at the front desk.
- 5.The museum's bookshop has excellent Colombian children's books and art supplies that make unique souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 12pm) offer the calmest experience. Weekends feature special family programming but can be busier. Avoid Monday closures, which are common at Colombian museums.
What to Know
Admission is completely free. The museum is closed Mondays. Restrooms are available, and there's a small cafe for snacks. Strollers are permitted but the colonial building has some stairs.
Seasonal Notes
The museum operates year-round with consistent hours. Special family programming increases during Colombian school holidays (June to July and December to January). Bogota's dry seasons (December to March and July to August) make exploring the surrounding historic district more pleasant.
Nearby Eats
La Puerta Falsa, a historic Bogota eatery just blocks away, serves traditional Colombian treats like tamales and hot chocolate that kids enjoy. For familiar options, Crepes & Waffles locations throughout La Candelaria offer kid-friendly international fare in a family-welcoming atmosphere.
More Activities Near Bogota
Museo de los Niños
Museo de los Niños is a vibrant, hands-on children's museum in Bogota designed specifically for young learners aged 3-12. With interactive science exhibits, creative play zones, and educational activities throughout, this museum encourages kids to explore, experiment, and learn through play in a welcoming bilingual environment.
Museo de Arte Moderno
The Museo de Arte Moderno offers an inspiring introduction to contemporary art for curious young minds. With dedicated children's workshops, interactive exhibitions, and educational programs designed specifically for families, this museum makes modern art accessible and fun. The affordable admission and creative hands-on activities make it an excellent cultural stop during your Bogota adventure.
Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango
The Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango is one of Latin America's most visited cultural institutions, offering families a unique blend of library exploration, interactive exhibits, and art galleries perfect for curious young minds. This free cultural center in Bogota's historic La Candelaria district provides dedicated children's sections with hands-on activities, storytelling sessions, and rotating family-friendly exhibitions that make learning fun.
Maloka
Maloka is one of Bogota's premier interactive science museums where kids can touch, explore, and experiment with over 200 hands-on exhibits covering everything from physics to biology. This engaging educational center features a 360-degree dome theater, robotics demonstrations, and interactive digital displays that make learning fun for children of all ages. It's a perfect rainy-day activity or educational break from Bogota's historic sightseeing.