Museo Tairona | Santa Marta

Museo del Oro Tairona – Casa de la Aduana (Tairona Gold Museum)

The Museo del Oro Tairona – Casa de la Aduana is one of Santa Marta’s most important cultural and historical landmarks. Located in the city’s historic center, this museum is dedicated to the Tairona civilization, one of the most advanced pre-Columbian cultures of Colombia, known for its intricate goldwork, pottery, and connection to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

It is part of the Banco de la República’s Gold Museum network, which includes the famous Museo del Oro in Bogotá. The museum is housed in the Casa de la Aduana, Santa Marta’s oldest colonial building, adding another layer of historical significance to the site.

1. Location and Accessibility

• Address: Carrera 2 #16-74, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.
• Opening Hours: Typically Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
• Entrance Fee: Free.

It is located in the heart of Santa Marta’s historic center, just a short walk from Parque de los Novios, the city’s main social hub. Visitors staying in El Rodadero can take a taxi (about 20 minutes) or a local bus.

2. Historical Significance of the Casa de la Aduana

The museum is housed in the Casa de la Aduana (Customs House), a 17th-century colonial mansion with a rich history. It was:

• The oldest standing building in Santa Marta, originally constructed in 1530.
• A key administrative center during Spanish rule.
• The place where Simón Bolívar’s body rested before being moved to Caracas.

The building has been beautifully restored, preserving its colonial architecture while integrating modern museum spaces.

3. Museum Exhibits and Collections

The Museo del Oro Tairona focuses on the indigenous cultures of the Sierra Nevada, particularly the Tairona people, ancestors of today’s Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo tribes.

Main Exhibits:

1. Tairona Goldwork

• Features gold jewelry, figurines, and ceremonial objects crafted by the Tairona civilization.
• The Tairona were master goldsmiths, known for their intricate "poporo" designs (small vessels used to store lime for coca leaf chewing).
• Displays nose rings, necklaces, and masks, often depicting jaguars, eagles, and human-animal hybrids, symbols of power and spirituality.

2. Daily Life of the Tairona

• Pottery, tools, and artifacts showcasing how the Tairona lived in the mountains.
• Insights into agriculture, weaving, and architecture, including their famous stone terraces and bridges.
• Replica of Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City), showing the ancient city’s circular stone houses.

3. The Indigenous Cultures of the Sierra Nevada

• Interactive exhibits about the Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo peoples, who still follow Tairona traditions.
• Information about their spiritual beliefs, ecological practices, and sacred sites.

4. Santa Marta’s Colonial and Maritime History

• Exhibits on Santa Marta’s role as Colombia’s oldest Spanish city (founded in 1525).
• Artifacts from colonial trade, piracy, and battles between Spanish and indigenous groups.

4. Interactive Experiences

• Videos and documentaries about the Tairona and their legacy.
• Guided tours with local experts (sometimes in Spanish only).
• Temporary exhibits on archaeology, anthropology, and local culture.

5. Why Visit the Museo del Oro Tairona?

• It’s free and centrally located, making it an easy stop in Santa Marta.
• Offers fascinating insights into the Tairona civilization, one of South America’s most advanced pre-Hispanic cultures.
• The Casa de la Aduana is a historic gem, giving visitors a sense of Santa Marta’s colonial past.

6. Tips for Visiting

• Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
• Bring a camera, but note that some areas may have photography restrictions.
• Check for special events, as the museum often hosts cultural activities and temporary exhibits.

Conclusion

The Museo del Oro Tairona – Casa de la Aduana is a must-visit attraction in Santa Marta. It combines pre-Columbian history, indigenous heritage, and colonial architecture, providing a deep understanding of Colombia’s rich past. Whether you’re a history lover, an archaeology enthusiast, or just curious about the Tairona and their stunning gold artifacts, this museum offers a unique and educational experience.