Historic Heart Walk
Touch the same bronze curves that Botero shaped with his own hands. Step inside neo-Gothic palaces, colonial basilicas, and the plazas where paisas have gathered for over four centuries. Discover why Medellín's heart — its art, its architecture, its people — beats louder than ever.
8 stops · 45 min · 2.8 km
Stops
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Plaza Botero
ArtA public square in downtown Medellín featuring 23 bronze sculptures donated by Fernando Botero in 2000. Botero, born in Medellín in 1932, is Colombia's most famous artist, known for his 'Boterismo' style of exaggerated, voluminous forms.
The sculptures sit in the open air, free for anyone to touch. The plaza is a centerpiece of Medellín's cultural revival and one of the most photographed spots in the city. The Museo de Antioquia faces the square and holds more Botero originals inside.
The Museo de Antioquia is right next door — and the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe with its striking checkered facade is across the street.
Museo de Antioquia
MuseumFounded in 1881, this is the oldest museum in Antioquia and one of the most important in Colombia. It houses the largest collection of works by Fernando Botero, including paintings and sculptures he donated to the city.
The museum building itself is a renovated Art Deco former city hall from 1937. Beyond Botero, it features pre-Columbian artifacts, contemporary Colombian art, and rotating international exhibitions. The museum played a central role in the urban renewal of the Plaza Botero area.
After the museum, step outside to Plaza Botero to see the 23 outdoor sculptures — they're free and open 24/7.