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Square · Medellín, Antioquia
Plaza Botero
The central square of Medellín with 23 bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero, between the Museo de Antioquia and the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, with a Gothic façade.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Plaza Botero
Plaza Botero is in downtown Medellín, in front of the Museo de Antioquia. It was inaugurated in 2002 with 23 bronze sculptures donated by Fernando Botero, who was born in the city: voluminous figures such as Woman with Mirror, the Horse, the Roman Soldier, Reclining Woman and the Cat. The pieces are outdoors, within reach, and visitors often touch them and pose for photos.
On the opposite side from the museum is the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, built from 1925 to designs by the Belgian architect Agustín Goovaerts, in a neo-Gothic style with a black-and-white banded façade. The building was the seat of the Antioquia government and today houses a cultural center with archives and exhibitions.
The square is part of Medellín’s busy downtown, with the Parque Berrío metro station next door, street vendors, musicians and popular commerce. Nearby are Parque Berrío, with the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, and Carrera Junín, a pedestrian street with shops.
The sculptures are freely accessible. Combine the visit with the Museo de Antioquia, where most of Botero’s paintings in the city are located.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30–45 minutes for the square; half a day with the Museo de Antioquia.
Best time
In the morning on a weekday, when downtown has commercial activity and the museum is open. On Sundays the center is usually quieter.
How to get there
Take the metro to Parque Berrío station on line A: the square is next to it. From El Poblado, the metro ride takes about 15 minutes.
Tip
Go into the Palacio de la Cultura, on the other side of the square, to see the courtyard and the stained glass.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza Botero
How many sculptures are in Plaza Botero?
There are 23 bronze sculptures, donated by Fernando Botero and installed in 2002.
Can you touch the sculptures?
Yes. The pieces are outdoors and many people touch them and pose for photos, following local tradition.
What is the Palacio de la Cultura?
The former government palace of Antioquia, in a neo-Gothic style with a black-and-white façade. Today it is a cultural center.