On the northeastern corner of Parque de Santander, at Cra 6 and C 16, is Bogotá’s must-see Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum. The world’s largest collection of gold ornaments, some 55,000 pieces strong, is spread out over three floors, with extensive displays on Colombia’s indigenous cultures, cosmology and symbolism, techniques used in working with gold, and a region-by-region breakdown of the use of various pieces. Note the recurring symbolism of animals (jaguars, birds, monkeys, human/animal hybrids), the very fine filigree earrings, gold offerings used in rituals and elaborate ornamentation worn by chieftains and those who communed with deities. Free one-hour tours in Spanish and English take place from Tuesday to Saturday at 11am and 4pm, respectively.
Explore Colombia 