The Jorge Eliecer Gaitan Museum is one of the most important historical sites in Colombia. All the facts about the man and his life can be better understood at this place.
Location and How to Get to This Specific Site
The museum is located at 42nd Street # 15 – 52 in Santa Teresita at Bogota. This place can be reached by riding a taxi or bus.
What to See There
The museum covers an area of 218 sq m. The museum provides details on what life was like in the 1930s in the area. Visitors to the Jorge Eliecer Gaitan Museum are accompanied by a guide. They will explain facts about Gaitan’s life.
History
Gaitan (January 23, 1903 – April 9, 1948) was the leader of a Colombian populist movement. He used to be one of the most popular leaders of the Liberal Party. He was a former labor and education minister. He ran for the presidency in 1948 but was assassinated.
Political unrest and violence followed. Due to the chaos, Gaitan was not given an appropriate burial. The burial was done at his house. This would be turned into the museum. It has been subsequently declared as a National Monument. It would quickly become one of the most popular landmarks in the country.
Cost
There is no admission fee to the museum. Overall travel tour expenses vary in Colombia. Budget transport, food and accommodations will probably cost 30 USD daily per person. However, your tour will probably be more enjoyable if you spend at least 60 USD. Bus fares are relatively cheap as well.
A 100 km ride will cost 6 USD. It is more affordable per kilometer on longer journeys. The expense mentioned assumes you are traveling independently. The expenses will be different if you bought a travel tour package.
Other Info
The complex includes the garden where his body is buried. His resting place is covered with soil from all the towns in Colombia.
The Jorge Eliecer Gaitan Museum is open from Tuesdays to Fridays. Opening time is 8:30 a.m. up to 5 p.m. On Saturdays it is open from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. On Sundays, the museum is open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
