San Pedro Cemetery Museum

While visiting Medellin, don’t forget to stop by this unusual museum—a living museum, in a cemetery. San Pedro Cemetery Museum is an unusual open-air museum of funeral art, filled with beautiful sculptures, monuments and mausoleums in marble and bronze. Much of the work was done in Europe by talented artists and brought to Colombia.
The cemetery got its start in 1842 when 50 wealthy families from Medellin wanted to have a private cemetery for their loved ones. Over the years, many famous people have been buried here, including politicians, businessmen and artists. 
Due to its artistic richness, San Pedro Cemetery was declared a museum in 1998 and Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 1999. It’s a cultural experience to see the historical and artistic content of its mausoleums and all of the art designed to honor the dead. 
This traditional graveyard draws many people for its special beauty. Visits include school field trips; night tours; and music, dance and theater under the light of the full moon. 

Practical Info

The San Pedro Cemetery Museum can be easily accessed by taking the metro to the Hospital Station. It’s open Monday through Sunday from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Admission is free. There are free guided tours through the cemetery on Sundays from 2 to 5:30pm.