5 Places to Immerse Yourself in Medellin's Art Scene

TLDR? The best art gallery in Medellin is Circuito Barrio Colombia while the best art museum is the MMMA.

Medellin’s art scene has become synonymous with two things: the sculptures of Fernando Botero and the street art in the Comuna 13 neighborhood.

That said, there’s so much more creative output in Medellin to be celebrated than the popular graffiti tour and the chubby sculptures and paintings of Medellin’s maestro Botero.

Medellin’s inspirational artists have tended to focus heavily on the city’s striking geography, geology, architecture, and the complexity of the city’s multi-layered social fabric.

So, do you want to experience the best of Medellin’s art scene? Keep reading to learn about the top art spots in town!

1. Circuito Barrio Colombia

Eight talented artists opened their warehouse studios in Barrio Colombia to showcase their work and shine a light on the creative juices flowing through the heart of Medellin. All of the work is hands-on, celebrating mankind’s timeless ability to express itself over the centuries.

From Alejandro Tobon’s bird’s nests made from recycled wood to Andres Arango’s meticulously crafted pieces made with thousands of Swarovski crystals, the studios offer an inspirational window into the creative process.

Additionally, other artists you can drop in on in the barrio include: Carlos Carmona, Camilo Correa, Danilo Cuadros, Diego Diaz, Andres Layos, Hernan Marin and Jeison Sierra.

Better yet, the studios are close to the Modern Art Museum of Medellin (MAMM). That means you can check out two art spots in one!

Address:

IG: @CircuitoBarrioColombia

2. Museo de Antioquia 

This museum is famous for being home to the largest collection of work by the celebrated local artist, Fernando Botero. However, the Museo de Antioquia is much more than a showcase for work by the Medellin maestro.

As well as the impressive collection of 135 paintings and 25 sculptures donated by Botero, the Museo de Antioquia’s permanent collection includes work by other prominent contemporary artists from Medellin.

And, it features an excellent collection of pre-Colombian, colonial, and republican art. Standout pieces include the four wonderful frescos painted on the walls of the former mayor’s office by Pedro Nel.

You’ll also love the influential paintings by Luis Caballero, Debora Arango, and Francisco Antonio Cano. The museum’s shop is also one of the best places to pick up a gift for someone you love back home.

Website: Museo de Antioquia

Address: Cra 52 #52-43, Centro, Medellin

3. Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellin

Occupying an old steel factory in Ciudad del Rio, the MAMM, is one of the highlights of any trip to Medellin for contemporary art lovers.

The space itself is worth a visit thanks to the quality of exhibitions organized by the museum’s chief curator, Emiliano Valdés.

The museum has a special collection of Debora Arango’s feminist paintings. It also has the best independent cinema in Medellin, screening movies that you won’t see anywhere else in the city.

And the museum’s shop stocks some thoughtful gifts that will win you friends back home. The Circuito Barrio Colombia studios are nearby so combine a visit to both.

Website: El Mamm

IG: @Elmamm

Address: Cra 44 #19a-100, Ciudad del Rio, Medellin

4. Galeria La Cometa 

One of the top galleries from Bogota landed in Medellin with a bang, taking the gallery space created as part of the Click-Clack hotel.

Featured artists include Barranquillero, Nadir Figueroa, who’s created a powerful body of work with Medellin as his muse.

The gallery also has some stunning gilded tapestries by Olga de Amaral, one of a handful of Colombian artists to have work hanging in the Metropolitan and the MoMa in New York.

Website: La Cometa Galeria

IG: @GaleriaLaCometa

Address: Calle 10 A #37-40, Poblado, Medellin

5. La Balsa Arte

An independent gallery from Bogota that’s doing its best to occupy the massive hole left in the Medellin art scene by the sad passing of legendary Medellin gallerist, Alberto Sierra.

La Balsa has big shoes to fill but it does so well with a thought-provoking collection of contemporary artists including regular shows.

What’s more, the gallery includes work by talented artists like Luis Fernando Peláez, Julian Burgos, and Andres Orjuela.

If you’re a fan of any of them, you’ll find this is a great spot to check out!

IG: @BalsaArte

Address: Calle 10 #40–37, Poblado, Medellin

Peruse the Best Art Galleries and Museums in Medellin

If you’re looking to buy something to take home with you or are thinking about decorating your Casacol pad in Medellin, you can!

One of our talented concierge team would be happy to organize a personalized art tour. These tours will get you one-on-one encounters with the city’s artistic powerhouses. Plus, you’ll get a chance to meet up-and-coming creators in the city’s most cultured corners.

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