Museum of Colonial Art, Art museum in La Candelaria, Colombia
Description
The Museum of Colonial Art occupies a 17th-century building and displays nearly 2000 works from the colonial period: paintings, sculptures, furniture, and manuscripts. The collection includes more than 75 oil paintings by a major master artist who worked during that era.
History
The building was originally constructed in 1610 as a school by a religious community and later served as a library. The museum itself was established in 1942 and houses works gathered when church property was seized and redistributed during the 1800s.
Culture
The name reflects the artistic period that defines its collection: religious paintings and sculptures from colonial times that conveyed Catholic faith to the people. The works show how artists blended European styles with local influences, creating their own visual language.
Practical
The museum is located in Bogotá's historic center and is open most days of the week, with morning and early afternoon hours. Admission is free, so you can visit the collection without any entrance fee.
Did you know?
Many pieces in the collection come from private church holdings that were seized during political upheaval in the 1800s. These works tell a story about the struggle between secular and religious power in the country's history.
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South America has a rich modern and contemporary art scene that often goes beyond the typical tourist route. Art museums throughout the region display works by local and international artists who engage with political, social, and cultural themes. These museums offer visitors a chance to discover...
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