Museo Militar (Military Museum), Bogota
The Military Museum of Colombia, situated in the vibrant La Candelaria district of Bogota, is a treasure trove of history that encapsulates the evolution of the Colombian Military Forces. Inaugurated on August 6, 1982, the museum is housed in a historic building constructed between 1911 and 1913 on the site of Captain Antonio Ricaurte's former residence-a hero of Colombia’s independence.
The museum offers a meticulously curated exhibition spanning two floors, nine rooms, and two patios, where visitors can explore an extensive collection of sculptures, historical documents, decorations, military uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and models. Each exhibit traces the technical and historical development of Colombia’s military, presenting its journey through the themes of independence, freedom, and democracy preservation. Notable displays include a Korean War room, a courtyard of artillery and aircraft featuring a presidential helicopter, and interactive models showcasing military uniforms, including an “antiterrorist” outfit and a unique diving suit.
Today, the museum stands as a hub of education and engagement, offering guided tours led by military personnel, including soldiers wounded in combat, who share their deep knowledge and personal insights. The specialized library, internship opportunities, and a fully equipped auditorium further enrich the experience.
Recent installations highlight Colombia's strides toward peace. A timeline of the country’s armed conflict and Alex Sastoque's "Metamorfosis", a copper AK-47 transformed into a shovel, symbolizes the transition from war to creation and hope. These exhibits reflect the museum’s commitment to promoting a future of harmony.
Recreational activities for children and educational programs ensure the museum remains a dynamic space for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Military Museum of Colombia is a captivating destination where the past and future of Colombia's military legacy converge.
The museum offers a meticulously curated exhibition spanning two floors, nine rooms, and two patios, where visitors can explore an extensive collection of sculptures, historical documents, decorations, military uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and models. Each exhibit traces the technical and historical development of Colombia’s military, presenting its journey through the themes of independence, freedom, and democracy preservation. Notable displays include a Korean War room, a courtyard of artillery and aircraft featuring a presidential helicopter, and interactive models showcasing military uniforms, including an “antiterrorist” outfit and a unique diving suit.
Today, the museum stands as a hub of education and engagement, offering guided tours led by military personnel, including soldiers wounded in combat, who share their deep knowledge and personal insights. The specialized library, internship opportunities, and a fully equipped auditorium further enrich the experience.
Recent installations highlight Colombia's strides toward peace. A timeline of the country’s armed conflict and Alex Sastoque's "Metamorfosis", a copper AK-47 transformed into a shovel, symbolizes the transition from war to creation and hope. These exhibits reflect the museum’s commitment to promoting a future of harmony.
Recreational activities for children and educational programs ensure the museum remains a dynamic space for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Military Museum of Colombia is a captivating destination where the past and future of Colombia's military legacy converge.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bogota. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Museo Militar (Military Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Museo Militar (Military Museum)
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Bogota, Colombia
Create Your Own Walk in Bogota
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bogota is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bogota Old Town Walking Tour
In 1538, the indigenous Muisca of the Colombian Altiplano had the advantage in numbers over the force of conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Arriving in the Muisca Federation, the Spanish had only 162 exhausted men. However, the guecha warriors of Chief Tisquesusa were no match. The Federation fell in bloody battle.
In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Bogota Shopping Tour
Colombia is known for its gold and emeralds, recognizable national clothing, pottery, accessories, and other crafts. The country's capital Bogota is so rich in authentic shopping that it's almost mind-boggling to decide what to buy first and most importantly, where to buy it at the best possible price!
Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Architectural Jewels
Bogota, Colombia, is quite a city for an architectural experience. Attentive to the local historical heritage, the city has managed to preserve in full splendor most of its colonial buildings.
One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nariño, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.
Not far away from it... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nariño, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.
Not far away from it... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Uniquely Columbian Things to Buy in Bogota
To those who understand Russian, the word "Bogota" sounds very similar to the one translating as "rich". And, indeed, the city does live up to this name connotation in terms of peculiar things worth exploring in addition to coca, coffee and emeralds. Here's the longer list...
Enjoying Onces in Bogota
Elevenses, on the surface, seem to be a particularly British tradition, a break for something light and sweet between breakfast and lunch, a time to gossip, a time to catch up, a time just to be. Lo and behold, Colombia somewhere along the line adapted this tradition in a particularly Latin fashion....