La Casa Museo del 20 de Julio (Museum of July 20, 1810), Bogota

The Museum of Independence, located in Bogota’s historic La Candelaria district, is a significant cultural and historical institution housed in a late sixteenth-century colonial building. Also referred to as the Museum of July 20, 1810 (Museo del 20 de Julio de 1810) or the House of the Vase (Casa del Florero), the museum was founded on July 20, 1960, commemorating a pivotal moment in Colombia’s fight for independence: the ''Grito de Independencia'' (Cry of Independence).

The museum commemorates July 20, 1810, the day Colombia’s independence movement began. A planned altercation over a vase with Spanish trader Jose Gonzalez Llorente sparked a public uprising, leading to the signing of the Act of Independence the next day. Though independence took over a decade, July 20 is now celebrated as Colombia’s Independence Day with patriotic ceremonies.

The museum features nine halls showcasing nearly 4,000 artifacts, including the shattered vase. Highlights include the Sala del Florero, centered on July 20, 1810; the Sala de Antonio Narino, honoring the independence leader who translated the Declaration of the Rights of Man; and an exhibit on women's vital roles in espionage, activism, and public mobilization during the independence movement.

The museum is always adorned with the red, blue, and yellow Colombian flag, a nod to its patriotic significance. It is closed on Mondays, but entrance is free on Sundays, making it accessible to everyone. Through its compelling storytelling and rich collection, the Museum of Independence offers a profound look at Colombia’s journey to sovereignty and the diverse voices that shaped its history.