General Archive of the Nation

The General Archive of the Nation sits in a central Bogotá building made of red brick and designed by architect Rogelio Salmona. The structure showcases geometric patterns and open courtyards that create a thoughtful arrangement of space.

This institution was established in 1989 and safeguards documents spanning from 1541 to 1991, including constitutional policies and records from the New Kingdom of Granada. These materials reflect centuries of political and administrative development across the region.

The archive holds collections that explore the lives of enslaved people across different regions of colonial South America. Visitors can trace through these materials to understand the daily experiences and stories of communities whose histories are often overlooked.

Plan to complete a registration process that requires personal reference letters, institutional documents, photographs, and a copy of your passport. It helps to prepare these materials ahead of time and clarify with staff what specific requirements apply to your research needs.

The building holds correspondence from Simón Bolívar and historical maps showing territories stretching from Central America to southern Chile. These materials demonstrate the geographic and political scope of the transformations that shaped the South American continent.

Location: Bogotá

Inception: 1989

Architects: Rogelio Salmona

Website: http://archivogeneral.gov.co

GPS coordinates: 4.59394,-74.07690

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:26