National Palace

In front of you is another project by Agustín Goovaerts, the architect of the Palace of Culture. That one was left half-built; this one was finished, although its story was not simple either.

1A palace for the State

Goovaerts designed it in 1924 for the block on Carabobo, between Pichincha and Ayacucho streets, on the site of the old men's prison. It opened in 1933. It was one of Medellín's first large concrete structures and gathered the national government's offices: post, telegraph, tax offices, courts and judicial departments, up to 88 public offices in all.

Its opening was controversial because of its cost, its style and its size. Today we see it as a fine example of the architecture of its time, but back then many considered it an expensive whim.

2Decline and second life

In 1974 the national government swapped it for a plot in La Alpujarra, where the new civic centre was built. In the 1980s and 1990s the building fell into serious decay, even though it was declared national heritage in 1988. In 1993 it was rehabilitated as a shopping centre, and since 2021 its upper floors have housed art galleries.

Where taxes were once paid and sentences handed down, shoes are now sold and paintings hung.

3What to look for

• The corner tower with its domed top.
• The bronze and wrought-iron metalwork of the doors, with reliefs.
• The buzz of Carabobo: street commerce everywhere. Keep your phone and wallet out of sight.