Barranquilla Carnival Museum: an unmissable stop

An unmissable stop to understand Colombia’s biggest festival

If you’re visiting Barranquilla and want to connect with the city’s most authentic essence, the Barranquilla Carnival Museum is a must-see stop. This is not a typical museum — it’s a tribute to the queens and to the traditions that have made the Carnival a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

And something important: don’t expect a large museum. On the contrary, it’s a small, cozy, and very well-kept space, perfect for learning, enjoying, and spending about an hour discovering the best of the Carnival without feeling overwhelmed.

What will you find in the Carnival Museum?

The tour is short, pleasant, and perfect for tourists. It’s divided into three levels:

Third Floor – The origin of the Carnival

The experience begins with a well-produced video that explains how carnivals emerged around the world and how they arrived in Barranquilla.
On the walls, you’ll see historical passages, characters, traditional elements, and curious facts that give you the perfect context to understand this celebration.

Second Floor – The Queens’ Dresses

This will likely be your favorite part: this level is filled with original dresses worn by the Carnival queens, from the oldest to the most recent.
They are true works of art that showcase color, creativity, sparkle, and the evolution of the royal tradition over the years. Many visitors agree that this is the most special floor of the tour.

First Floor – Crowns and Photography

Here you’ll see the official crowns of the queens and a gallery with their current portraits. It’s a beautiful, elegant, and history-filled tribute.
Before leaving, you’ll find the souvenir shop — perfect for taking home a piece of the Carnival.

Tour duration

This is a museum to enjoy without rushing. It takes less than an hour to visit, making it perfect if you’re touring several spots in the city.

Important: entry is every hour

Tours begin at fixed times — once every hour.
If you arrive at 10:25 a.m., you’ll need to wait until 11:00 a.m. to enter. Keep this in mind if you have a tight itinerary.

2025 Prices

Adults: 15,000 COP
Children: 10,000 COP
You can purchase tickets at the box office or through TuBoleta.

Hours

Monday: closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Holidays: variable schedule

Where is the Carnival Museum located?

It is located in Barrio Abajo, one of the most cultural and traditional neighborhoods in Barranquilla, at: Cra. 54 #49B-39.
It’s a safe, central, and history-rich area — perfect to combine your visit with a walk through the neighborhood’s murals and colorful houses.

Is it worth visiting?

Absolutely yes! It’s a special, educational, and well-organized space where you’ll learn about:

The pagan origins of carnivals
The history and evolution of the Barranquilla Carnival
The Battle of Flowers
The queens and their most iconic costumes

Perfect for locals and visitors who want to experience a piece of the Carnival at any time of the year.

What’s nearby?

The museum sits in a tourist area of northern Barranquilla, close to:

Barrio Abajo and its murals
The Casa del Carnaval
Traditional restaurants and cafés
Cultural and historical spots

Ideal to combine with other tours.

In summary…

The Carnival Museum is a small, cozy, and history-packed place that allows you to dive — in less than an hour — into Barranquilla’s most iconic cultural tradition. A perfect spot to enjoy, learn, and take home a piece of this beloved celebration.

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