Museo de Trajes Regionales (Museum of Regional Costumes), Bogota

The Museum of Regional Costumes in Bogota is a cultural gem located in the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, near the iconic Bolivar Square (Plaza de Bolívar). Established in 1975 by anthropologist Edith Jimenez de Munoz, this unique museum invites visitors to explore Colombia's history through its diverse traditional clothing. Located in the historic 17th-century House of the Rights of Man, where Don Antonio Nariño translated the Rights of Man and the Citizen, the museum immerses visitors in Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum features eight permanent galleries and one temporary gallery, showcasing the evolution of Colombian attire across time and regions. The exhibits trace pre-Hispanic clothing, European influences brought by the Spanish, mestizaje (the blending of Indigenous, African, and European cultures), and the garments of living Indigenous communities. Visitors can admire handmade looms, backpacks, and traditional regional costumes, many of which are still used today.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions, fashion shows, and accessory displays that explore contemporary Colombian fashion. Through traveling exhibitions, the museum extends its reach to audiences across Colombia and abroad, sharing small-format samples of its extensive collection.

The museum highlights clothing as more than protection, showcasing its role in ethnic identity, symbolic communication, and social status. Pre-Hispanic costumes conveyed messages about status, gender, and age, while exhibits explore the impact of the colonial era and Colombia’s ethnic mix on traditional attire. A standout feature is the section on Dona Manuelita Saenz, Simon Bolivar's companion, adding historical depth. With its focus on diversity and preserving Colombia's memory, it's a must-visit for art lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers, showcasing the rich story of the nation's cultural identity.