The Ultimate Tour Of Bogota's Postmodern Architectural Landmarks

Colombia‘s architecture has been heavily influenced throughout history by Spanish culture, as well as by French, English, and American architecture. Colombia’s cities vary dramatically between these architectural styles, along with colonial and postmodern-style architecture. Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, has been heavily influenced by different types of architecture, with colonial buildings situated next to modern structures. We take a tour through Bogota’s postmodern architectural buildings.

1. Luis Ángel Arango Library

Building, Concert Hall, Library

The Luis Ángel Arango Library was opened in 1958, designed by Colombian architect Rafael Esguerra, part of the Esguerra Saenz Urdaneta Samper firm. The Luis Ángel Arango Library is one of the most important libraries in Latin America, containing over 1.1 million books, 12 reading rooms, a 367-seat theatre and receives over 5,000 visitors a day. The unique building is of architectural importance, has panoramic city views on the top floor, and complements the surrounding colonial buildings of La Candelaria, while still following postmodern architectural themes.

2. Parque Simón Bolívar

Park

Simón Bolívar Park is a public green space, covering over 360 acres (1.45 sq. km.) in the center of Bogotá. Construction began in 1966, and continued to develop over the the following 30 years. Architect Arturo Robledo Ocampo was in charge of creating improvements to the park in 1982, at which time he planted 3,300 trees along with other improvements. The park has undergone continued development, managed by the District Institution of Recreation and Sports. Two temples have been erected: the first for the 39th International Eucharistic Congress in 1968, and the second was built in 1986 to commemorate Pope John Paul II’s visit to the city. The park is now an important landmark within the city, for weekend activities, relaxing, exploring the gardens, and for festivals and events.

3. Bogotá Museum of Modern Art

Museum

Bogotá Museum of Modern Art (MAMBO), was designed by architect Rogelio Salmona between 1971 and 1988. The sleek four-story building has clean lines and a perfect example of postmodern architecture in Colombia. The museum is home to modern art of the 20th century and has a number of exhibition halls.

5. Las Torres del Parque

Las Torres del Parque was also designed by the architect Rogelio Salmona and was completed in 1968. This area is made up of three individual high rise buildings, in the postmodern orange brick style, which are home to apartments and gardens. This architectural marvel was designed to create harmony between the city and the environment, allowing residences and public spaces to be combined.

Las Torres del Parque, Carrera. 5 #26b- 57, Bogotá, Colombia

6. BD Bacatá

Building

BD Bacatá is the tallest building in Colombia and second tallest in South America. The building has 67 stories, reaching 850 feet (260 meters) above the Bogotá skyline; construction began in 2011, but was designed long before this date. The building is made up of two individual buildings, connected by bridges and will be completed in late 2017. The BD Bacatá will be home to offices, retail spaces, apartments, and a hotel. The two buildings are made predominantly from glass, aluminum, and concrete, and the budget of COP$240 million was financed by 3,800 private investors.

7. Centro de Comercio Internacional

Building

Centro de Comercio Internacional is a 50-floor, 623-foot-tall (190-meter) building, which in 1977 was the tallest building in Latin America. The building is home to Davivienda Bank, and is constructed almost entirely of glass. The building was designed by architectural firm Cuéllar Serrano Gómez y Cía, and work began on the building in 1970.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers