Your Art Guide
Plan Your Visit
A walking itinerary through Medellín's art scene — 5 stops, one unforgettable day.
Your Art Guide
A walking itinerary through Medellín's art scene — 5 stops, one unforgettable day.
Walking Itinerary
Start in the morning, finish by late afternoon. All stops are walkable from each other. Total distance: ~4km.
Start your day with Botero's 23 bronze sculptures in the open-air plaza. Free, always open. Take your time — each sculpture has personality. The Museo de Antioquia is right next door if you want to go deeper.
Head west from Plaza Botero toward the street art corridor. Look for the rhino/jaguar wildlife mural (address 59-63), the TINTO face, the puma, deer, and forest bear murals, and the spray can character. Most of this art is concentrated within a few blocks.
Walk to the Palacio Nacional and explore the art gallery floors. Browse naïve paintings, cosmic surrealism by Jaramillo M., geometric op-art, and abstract works. Talk to the artists — most are working in their booths. Negotiate prices directly.
Grab lunch in the area, then visit J. Builes at his marquetería (frame shop) to see his psychedelic meditating Jesus painting and whatever new work he's got drying. The Billionaire's Barber Club next door is worth a look too.
Visit Larry's studio to see his Scribble Art and Dripping works up close. Call ahead via WhatsApp to confirm availability. His Dalí tribute and Golden Turban pieces are must-sees.
If you have time, take the metro to Industriales station and walk to MAMM in Ciudad del Río. Contemporary art, terraces with city views, and a great restaurant. Mercado del Río food hall is right next door.
Practical Info
Medellín sits at 1,500m elevation with year-round spring weather (20-28°C / 68-82°F). Bring a light jacket for evening and sunscreen for midday.
The Metro is clean, cheap, and efficient. Use it to get between the centro and Ciudad del Río (MAMM). Taxis and InDrive are affordable for everything else.
Most galleries accept cash only. ATMs are everywhere. Art at the Palacio is very affordable — small pieces from $20 USD. Always negotiate politely.
Street art is always free to photograph. In galleries, ask permission first — most artists are happy to let you shoot. Tag @artemedellin if you share!
Spanish helps enormously. Paisas (Medellín locals) are famously friendly. Even a few words of Spanish will be appreciated and reciprocated with warmth.
Tourist areas and the centro are generally safe during the day. Don't flash expensive gear. Keep your phone in your pocket when walking. Use common sense, just like any major city.