Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica, Bogota

Three Museums day Well today was a visit to three museums in close proximity to each other in Bogota. The military museum, the police museum and Botero Art museum. This is a collective entry as they are all about the same excellent standard, have the same amenities, all are free and all have the same pitfall of limited or lack of English signage/audio assistance. All are of a moderate size with cafes and toilets. Allow 1-2 hours for each one. Military Museum: Interesting and obviously stocked with a historical variety of firearms, cannons and a few vehicles and airframes. Well set out and presented over several floors. Police Museum: Again interesting and also well stocked with a variety of firearms over several floors. A few interesting rooms worth a look at too especially the ‘war against drugs’ room. Botero Art Museum: I am not a big fan of Fernando Botero but I must be in the minority seeing as he’s worth over $200,000,000. Anyway a really well laid out multi floored museum again. As well as a large amount of Boteros work, paintings and sculptures, there are notable pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Bacon and Monet which I didn’t expect. All in all a good day’s sightseeing.

This museum is a must see when visiting Bogota. Located in the historic area of La Candelaria. It was great to see so many pieces of Botero’s work up close. Other great works (Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Degas...) are present as well. The interior garden courtyard with its fountain is very peaceful and is a nice backdrop for photos.