Wander through the Botero Square Sculpture Park to see 23 statues made by Medellín’s world-famous artist Fernando Botero. This bustling square is full of Botero’s work, which is characterised by his depiction of animals and humans with strangely enormous proportions. Join tourists and locals as they pose for photographs in front of the sculptures. To learn more about Botero visit the adjacent museum, which has a large collection of his work.
Over the years, Botero has given many of his works to the town of Medellín, including the sculptures that fill the plaza. These unique and often comical statues have one-word names, such as Horse or Big Woman.
Look at Botero’s two Bird of Peace statues. The original statue was badly damaged in 1995 when a terrorist destroyed the piece using a bomb. The resulting explosion claimed 12 civilian lives. Today, the original statue’s twisted remains serve as a memorial to the victims of the attack. Next to the old sculpture Botero has constructed a new replica, symbolising the resilience of the Medellín citizens. To see some of Botero’s other artwork visit the Antioquia Museum, which also has pieces from renowned Medellín muralist Pedro Nel Gómez.
If you get hungry, stop in one of the restaurants near the square, or get a couple of empanadas from a street vendor and have a picnic. Empanadas, which are a doughy pastry filled with different meats, are a local favourite. As you eat, watch street performers, such as magicians, perform their acts. After dinner, sit and listen as local musicians play Vallenato melodies, which is a musical style from Colombia’s northern shore.
The Botero Square Sculpture Park is situated within Medellín’s Old Quarter. To get there, ride the metro to adjacent Berrío Park Station, or take a cab. The Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture is within walking distance of the square.
