Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu)
The basics
As one of Cartagena’s most popular attractions, the Gold Museum features on most guided tours of the city, including walking tours of the historic Old Town. Travelers with a particular interest in Colombia’s indigenous communities can opt for a Zenú heritage tour, which typically includes a visit to the museum, as well as a stop at a Zenú weaving workshop in the 20 de Julio neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. Travelers can also combine a visit to the Gold Museum with a stop at the Caribbean Naval Museum (Museo Naval del Caribe) into a single guided tour perfect for history buffs.
Things to know before you go
- Museum admission is free, making this an excellent option for budget travelers.
- Signage at the museum is presented in Spanish, English, and French.
- Give yourself 30 minutes to an hour to explore the museum and read all the informational placards.
How to get there
The Gold Museum is inside the walled city on Bolivar Plaza, opposite the Palacio de la Inquisicion Museum. If you’re already in the walled city, it’s best to get there on foot—a 5-minute walk from the Clocktower.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday but closes for “siesta” on weekdays. Due to its popularity and central location, it’s a good idea to visit early in the day or a couple of hours before closing. The air-conditioned museum also offers a welcome respite from the afternoon heat.
Best Museums in Cartagena
While the Gold Museum ranks as Cartagena’s most famous, it’s not the only one in town. Foodies might want to swing by the free Chocolate Museum (Museo del Cacao) to learn more about one of Colombia’s biggest exports. History buffs should consider a visit to the Naval Museum (Museo Naval del Caribe) or the Inquisition Museum, while art lovers won’t want to miss the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Art Moderno) for its Caribbean-influenced collection.
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- Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar)
- Palace of Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisicion)
- Cartagena Cruise Port
- Cathedral of San Pedro Claver (Iglesia de San Pedro Claver)
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean
- Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
- Cartagena Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena)
- Teatro Adolfo Mejia (Teatro Heredia)
- Plaza de San Diego
- La India Catalina Monument
- Old Town Cartagena
- Las Bovedas
- Rafael Nuñez House Museum
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas)
- Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos)