Last updated on December 19, 2023.

The heart of the Aranjuez district of Medellín contains some excellent educational and cultural attractions. The best place to see them is at University Station (Estación Universidad), which is a few metro stops north of El Centro. Aranjuez corresponds to Comuna 4 of Medellín.

 

Park of Desires

The metro exits onto the Park of Desires (Parque de Los Deseos). It’s an interactive space built in 2003 by the city of Medellín and EPM, a local utility company. The park offers eight different attractions representing the dreams, desires, and achievements of humanity. They include a heliostat, a replica Muisca observatory, the world of the winds, a celestial sphere, distant voices, a sundial, an eclipse, and sunshine.

Park of Desires in Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Park of Desires
Park of Desires in Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Park of Desires

A large open space sitting between the Planetarium and House of Music (see below) is used for events. Free concerts, movie nights, art exhibitions, thematic workshops, aerobic exercises, and  other events are often held there. A fountain and sandpit are also located at the park.

Event space

The first time I visited, the Park of Desires was full of booths featuring local crafts and souvenirs. They were set up as part of the Flower Festival occurring at the time.

Park of Desires in Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Park of Desires

 

House of Music

On the south side of the park is the House of Music (Casa de la Música), which was also built by EPM and the city of Medellín. It has two auditoriums and offers free music and dance training programs, music recitals, and more.

House of Music in Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
House of Music

 

Medellín Planetarium

The Medellín Planetarium (Planetario de Medellín) is located on the north side of the Park of Desires. It features many shows and exhibits about the universe. I haven’t had a chance to visit yet. Adult admission for foreigners is COP$26,000 (as of July 2023) and it’s open daily from 10am to 6:30pm.

Medellín Planetarium in Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Medellín Planetarium
Medellín Planetarium

 

Medellín Botanical Garden

North of University Station is the Medellín Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico de Medellín), which is covered in another entry. This beautiful botanical garden has several plants and trees from different ecosystems found in Colombia. The paths are pleasant to walk through. I visited when it hosted part of the Flower Festival and a few years later to see the garden in its normal state.

Medellín Botanical Garden in Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Medellín Botanical Garden
Medellín Botanical Garden from above in Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Medellín Botanical Garden from above

 

Parque Explora

Across the street is Parque Explora, which is covered in a separate entry. It’s an excellent hands-on science museum where you can learn about the human body, physics, and animals.

Parque Explora in Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Parque Explora

 

University of Antioquia

Finally, to the west of the Park of Desires is the campus of the University of Antioquia (Universidad de Antioquia). It’s the oldest departmental university in Colombia, founded in 1803. When I have a chance, I’ll walk through the campus and add some photos here. There’s also a museum to visit.

University of Antioquia

 

Map of Aranjuez

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.