Caracas Museums

(Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela)

Well worth seeing in Caracas is the birthplace and museum of Simon Bolivar (the Casa Natal de Bolivar and the Museo Bolivariano), the father of modern Venezuela and the nation's main folk hero. Between these two kinds of exhibits, you will gain a well-rounded perspective on what makes this unique Latin American country tick.

The Plaza de los Museos has a great selection of cultural offerings in Caracas, where both the Museo Nacional de Arquitectura (National Museum of Architecture) and the Museo de Ciencias Naturales (Museum of Natural Sciences) are located. Another cultural hub is the Parque Central, where the family friendly Fundacion Museo de los Ninos (Children's Museum) is lots of fun for all ages.

Birthplace of Bolivar (Casa Natal de Bolivar) / and Bolivar Museum (Museo Bolivariano)

Address: Corners of Plaza El Venezolano / Esquinas San Jacinto / Traposos, Avenida Universidad, Caracas, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 0212 541 2563
You get two essential Venezuelan attractions in one at this site, housed in the two side-by-side colonial homes. One contains the birthplace of Venezuela's second president, Simon Bolivar (1783 to 1830), officially named Simon Jose Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar y Palacios Ponte y Blanco. The other is home to a small museum showcasing memorabilia and items from his life. Venezuelans consider this place a virtual holy site for El Libertador. The Museo Bolivariano is particularly interesting, with its range of relics from the great man's military and political careers, as well as innumerable portraits and important documents, while the Casa Natal has an authentically recreated period interior and some giant paintings.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 14:30 to 17:30
Admission: free

Children's Museum (Fundacion Museo de los Ninos)

Address: Parque Central, Avenida Bolivar, Caracas, Venezuela
Tel: +58 0212 575 3022
Opened in 1982 and the first attraction of its kind in the whole of Latin America, the Children's Museum features a series of themed exhibitions dedicated to the arts, culture, astronomy, biology, communication, ecology, physics and technology. Aimed at both younger children and teenagers, various interactive exhibits are on hand to stimulate learning in an informal way. Within the 'Conquest of Space' sector, the Planetarium provides regular sky shows and offers an enjoyable insight into the solar system.
Open hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, additional charge for planetarium

National Museum of Architecture (Museo Nacional de Arquitectura - MUSARQ)

Address: Plaza de los Museos, Caracas, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 0212 573 6009
Covering various different aspects and themes relating to Venezuelan architecture through the ages, the National Museum of Architecture boasts a wealth of photographs, plans, scale models and information relating to the architectural evolution of the city and country. Being located on the Plaza de los Museos means that there is plenty of interest close by, so try to allow a whole day to see what appeals to you the most.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo de Ciencias Naturales)

Address: Plaza de los Museos, Caracas, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 0212 577 5103
The Museum of Natural Sciences was established as long ago as 1875 and is housed within an attractive neo-classical building. Founded by Gustavo Adolfo Ernst, a renowned German scientist, this popular attraction concentrates on a number of different subject matters. Visitors can expect collections and displays relating to archaeology, anthropology and ethnography, with literally thousands of exhibits illustrating their scientific value. There are fossils, ancient jewellery and pottery pieces, mummified bodies and skeletons, and objects originating from African and Afro-American cultures.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Museum of Transportation (Museo del Transporte)

Address: Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Caracas, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 0212 234 2234
Located alongside the easterly Parque del Este is the city's Museum of Transportation. The grounds cover an area of around 5 acres / 2 hectares and are called home by literally hundreds of different vehicles, such as vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, sedans, steam locomotives and even some aircraft, displayed in a hangar. Although the opening hours are a little limited, various events are staged here each year, celebrating the Venezuelan transport industry and its vehicle manufacturers.
Open hours: Sunday - 09:00 to 16:30, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts available for children