Bogotá's Powerful Museo del Oro

«The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) in Bogotá should be a model for any art institution in the world, from the largest and most prestigious to the small and local. Coherently and poetically, it tells the story of this prestigious material from the perspective of its meaning to the multiple indigenous tribes that have lived in the territory we now know as Colombia, and that in some cases continue to thrive today throughout the country's diverse regions.»

Wall case in the Museo del Oro, Bogotá, Colombia. All photos courtesy of the author

Stunning displays that highlight the visual power of the objects are accompanied by wall texts that are as evocative and informative as they are accessible. The design itself of the displays highlights the key ideas, such as the example found above. It helped us to imagine what an ancient person (perhaps a chief?) would have looked like decked to the nines in gold.

Objects in the collection of the Museo del Oro

Our excellent tour guide ended our visit in an immersive, multisensory space. We found ourselves amidst changing lights, surrounded by a spectacular wall case filled with gold objects, peering down at a floor display that simulated the depths of a lake, and hearing chants performed by contemporary Kogi people. In this unique environment, we imagined taking part in the ritual of offering gold to our god, the sun.