Gold Museum Bogotá

Overview

The Gold Museum in Bogotá is the largest of its kind in the world, with a collection of more than 55,000 objects in gold and other materials from pre-Columbian cultures including the Muisca and Tairona. Its centrepiece, the Muisca raft, is key physical evidence for the ancient legend of El Dorado.

History

The museum was founded in 1939 by the Bank of the Republic to protect the country's pre-Columbian goldwork, much of which was being melted down or smuggled abroad. Its collection grew through purchases and excavations, and the present building was purpose-designed to display it, opening in 1968. Its famous raft depicts the ceremony in which a Muisca chief covered in gold dust was rowed onto Lake Guatavita, the origin of the El Dorado legend.

Highlights

• •The El Dorado gold artefacts
• •The Muisca raft
• •The fine jewellery gallery

Practical tips

• •Closed on Mondays
• •Allow two hours for the collection

Practical information

Best time

Year-round

Tickets

Free

Opening hours

Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 to 17:00

Local food

Ajiaco soup, arepas and tropical fruit

Getting around

The TransMilenio rapid bus covers the main arteries, and ride-hailing is advisable at night

Visa

A tourist visa is required; holders of a valid US or Schengen visa may enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, subject to official Colombian announcements.

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