Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena | Cartagena

The Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena is a modern art museum situated in Cartagena, Colombia.

It is housed within a historic building in the city's walled Old Town.

Visual Characteristics

The museum occupies a colonial-era building constructed primarily from coral stone and stucco. The exterior walls are painted a pale yellow. The building features arched windows and doorways, characteristic of Spanish colonial architecture. Inside, exhibition spaces are typically white-walled with high ceilings and wooden floors.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is located at Calle 30, Plaza de San Pedro Claver, within the historic center of Cartagena. It is approximately 0.5km from the main city gates (Puerta del Reloj). Access is via pedestrian walkways within the Old Town. No dedicated parking is available directly at the museum; visitors typically use public parking garages located within a 5-10 minute walk. The nearest bus stops are located along Avenida Santander, a 15-minute walk from the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building that houses the museum was originally constructed in the 17th century and served various purposes, including a prison and a customs house, before being converted into an art museum. The specific architect of the original structure is not definitively recorded. The museum's purpose is to exhibit and promote modern and contemporary art.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view permanent collections of Colombian modern art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Temporary exhibitions featuring national and international artists are also presented. The museum offers guided tours of its current exhibitions. Photography without flash is permitted in designated areas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited seating is provided within exhibition halls. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good within the museum. No food vendors are located within the museum itself, but numerous restaurants and cafes are situated in the surrounding Plaza de San Pedro Claver and throughout the Old Town.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. For optimal lighting conditions within the exhibition spaces, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. The museum can be less crowded on weekday mornings. The climate in Cartagena is tropical, with high humidity year-round.

Facts & Legends

The Plaza de San Pedro Claver, where the museum is located, is named after Saint Peter Claver, a Jesuit missionary who ministered to enslaved Africans in Cartagena in the 17th century. His remains are interred in the adjacent San Pedro Claver Church and Convent.

Nearby Landmarks

• San Pedro Claver Church and Convent (0.05km North)
• Palace of the Inquisition (0.2km West)
• Clock Tower (Puerta del Reloj) (0.5km West)
• Fort San Felipe de Barajas (1.5km South)
• Convento de la Popa (2.0km Southeast)