Popayán Archdiocesan Museum of Religious Art

The Popayán Archdiocesan Museum of Religious Art displays religious artworks created between the 16th and 20th centuries in a colonial building in the city center. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, jewelry, furniture, and silverware that document the artistic heritage of the region.

The museum was founded in 1972 to preserve religious artworks gathered from churches and private collections throughout the region. A major earthquake in 1983 damaged the building, forcing the collection to be temporarily stored elsewhere for safety.

The collection reflects strong artistic ties to Quito, where many of the sculptors and craftspeople who created works here came from. The liturgical furnishings and altar ornaments show how people practiced their faith through objects that filled their churches and homes.

The museum sits just two blocks from Popayán's main square and is easy to reach on foot from the city center. Plan your visit carefully since opening hours vary by day of the week and it is closed certain times during the day.

The museum houses a special vault collection featuring gold-plated crowns, urns, and goblets that are normally kept from public view. These treasured objects become accessible to visitors during Holy Week celebrations when temporary exhibitions are arranged.

GPS coordinates: 2.44182,-76.60439

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05