Museo Colonial — Attraction in Bogota, Capital District

Harassed by security and you need to pay an extra fee for pictures...

So... I had a very annoying and uncomfortable experience at the museum, I would not recommend going to it, specially if this is how they treat guest. I was walking down the street, the museum I had planned to visit was closed and since I had time to spare I decided to get a ticket for this one. This museum is designed in such way that you must have a ticket in order to get in, you cannot access otherwise. The booth is connected to the entry, so I was quite surprised when the guard asked to show my ticket before walking towards the first room... why? I just paid. I just walked across the ticket booth, I cannot get into the museum without paying for the ticket. It would be impossible.

I show it anyway and obviously I assume that it's just protocol.

Before paying for the ticket another guard asked me to check my bag and he saw what I had inside, including my camera. That was the biggest mistake ever, since photos with cameras are not allowed, only photos with phones (any phone nowadays has better characteristics compared to my camera so I find this rule obsolete and ridiculous... but anyways)

Seeing my camera hanging on my shoulder was like a red alert for the guards, they ALL followed me two steps behind. Each room has it's own guard, so they all followed me closely behind every time I moved to another area. It made me feel harassed and uncomfortable.

I start the tour reading the descriptions and appreciating the paintings when the guard stands directly behind me and the rooms are kind of small, so I felt crowded, harassed, supervised and uncomfortable.

Are they expecting visitors to steal something or damage something? Or was it to make extremely sure I couldn't touch my camera at all, since I had no permit to take pictures? I understand the guards doing rounds and making sure the rules are enforced, but walking practically one step behind me?

Then I go upstairs and the same thing happened, I was asked to show my entry ticket once again, I was asked about the camera again and I was followed one step behind the whole time, at this point I decided to simply skim through the rooms and barely see what the exhibit. I HAD to cut short my tour. The second floor guard even told me about the temporary exhibit, but I had ABSOLUTELY no desire to see what it was about after being followed and made so uncomfortable.

The worst part? I was the only gust at the museum since it was really early in the morning and the hour was slow.

The art isn't even that amazing, please save your money and visit other places around the city. You can see this style of painting and clothing in churches, colonial museums, castles and the...

Step into a time capsule at the Museo Colonial (Museo de Arte Colonial)! Housed in the magnificent 17th-century Claustro de las Aulas, this museum is a masterclass in Colombian colonial history and art. The building itself, designed by Juan Bautista Coluccini, is as much a masterpiece as the collections it houses.

The museum's collection of 1,577+ pieces is simply stunning. The highlight? The works of Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos will leave you speechless. From intricate textiles to gleaming silverware and remarkable paintings, each piece tells a story of colonial life in the New Kingdom of Granada.

Post-2017 renovation has breathed new life into this historic space, with thoughtful curation that brings colonial Colombia vividly to life. The transformation from Jesuit college to military barracks to museum adds fascinating layers to its rich history.

What makes it special: Housed in a spectacular 17th-century building Extensive collection of colonial art Beautiful religious artifacts Excellent guided tours available Fascinating architectural details

Tips for visitors: Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical context Plan 1.5-2 hours for your visit Perfect for art and history enthusiasts Located in historic La Candelaria Great stop on a colonial architecture tour Photography policies vary, check at entrance

Pro tip: Don't rush through - take time to appreciate how the building's architecture complements the exhibitions. The former Jesuit college setting adds an authentic dimension to the colonial...

It's an interesting little museum that covers the colonial past from a European and perhaps Catholic church perspective. Issues of slavery and abuse of indigenous and Africans touched on very lightly. Meanwhile, the advantages accrued by European dominion are played up. For example, Mestizos being allowed to study in church established colleges or Africans and Mestizos being taught trades are shown as benefits of colonization. Go to the National Museum of Colombia for a more academic and socially aware perspective though with much fewer English language translations. Pics are of the single display of precolonial art with a Eurocentric perspective of what constitutes advanced society and another highlighting the benefits of...