What It Is and Context
If you think you know San Antonio only for its salsa bars and viewpoints, you are in for a surprise. Once a year — and increasingly more often — the heritage houses of this colonial neighborhood open their doors at night for an experience that has nothing to do with daytime tours. It is called the Night of Museums, but in Cali it is not just an event of formal museums: it is an excuse to sneak into hidden patios, listen to jazz in a room that was a 19th-century kitchen, and enjoy a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking the entire city.
Cali's version of this global event — which originated in Berlin in 1997 — gained momentum since 2018 thanks to cultural collectives and owners of heritage houses who refused to let San Antonio become just a gastronomic destination. In May 2026, the Night of Museums promises to be the most ambitious yet: over 15 open spaces, pedestrian routes lit by candles, and performances ranging from poetry to contemporary dance in patios normally closed to the public.
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Event Details
Heritage Houses That Open Only on This Date
The heart of the event are the houses that during the year function as private residences, artist workshops, or informal galleries. These are the must-sees:
- Casa del Arlequín (Calle 5 # 3-28): The most famous among locals. It is a restored 18th-century mansion that now functions as a cultural center. During the Night of Museums, it opens its central patio with contemporary art installations and a pop-up bar with signature cocktails. This year they will have an exhibition of traditional masks from the Colombian Pacific.
- Casa del Libro Total (Calle 4 # 3-64): A living library with over 40,000 volumes. During the event, the facade becomes a projection screen for short films from Cali. Inside, poetry readings by candlelight.
- Casa Museo de la Salsa (Calle 5 # 2-10): It is not a formal museum, but the home of collector Carlos Andrés Díaz, who opens his private collection of vinyl records, photos, and memorabilia of the greats of Cali salsa. It only opens twice a year: during the Cali Fair and during the Night of Museums.
- Taller de la Gata Flora (Calle 3 # 2-45): A textile art space where artist Flora Moreno showcases contemporary embroideries inspired by the flora of the Valle. At night, the patio becomes a stage for experimental music.
Schedule and Timings
The event takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Entry to all spaces is free, but some have limited capacity. The suggested route starts at Casa del Libro Total and ends at Casa del Arlequín, where they usually close with a live jazz concert.
In addition to the houses, there are three meeting points with street performances:
- Plazoleta de San Antonio (in front of the church): contemporary dance at 7:00 p.m.
- Corner of Calle 4 with Carrera 3: live poetry with open mic at 8:30 p.m.
- Mirador de San Antonio: mapping projection on the church facade at 9:30 p.m.
Prices and How to Get Tickets
The event is completely free, but not as simple as just showing up and walking in. Some houses (like Casa del Arlequín and Casa Museo de la Salsa) require prior registration because space is limited. Tickets are released one week in advance on each space's social media. There are no physical tickets or online sales; everything is managed through Google Forms posted on Instagram.
For those who do not get a spot, there is an alternative: many houses open their patios and facades for street events without registration. Casa del Libro Total, for example, projects the short films on the street, so you can watch them without going inside.
Important: There is no formal food sales inside the houses, but on every corner of San Antonio there are street vendors selling empanadas ($2,000 COP each) and lulo juice ($3,000 COP). There are also bars like El Rincón de San Antonio (Calle 5 # 2-15) that offer craft beer from $8,000 COP.
How to Get There
San Antonio is on the western hillside of Cali, a 15-minute walk from Avenida Sexta. If you are coming from downtown, you can take the feeder bus A14 from the San Nicolás MIO station to the San Antonio stop. The fare is $2,700 COP.
If you prefer Uber or taxi, the trip from downtown costs between $8,000 and $12,000 COP. From the south of the city (restaurant area like Granada), the trip can cost up to $25,000 COP during peak hours.
Key tip: The streets of San Antonio are steep and cobblestoned. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a cell phone flashlight because some streets lack public lighting. The neighborhood is safe during the event, but as anywhere in Cali, do not leave valuables visible in your car.
Tips for Attendees
- Arrive early: The most popular houses (Casa del Arlequín and Casa Museo de la Salsa) fill up before 7:00 p.m. If you arrive at 6:00 p.m., you will have time to see two or three spaces before the crowds.
- Follow Casa del Arlequín's social media on Instagram (@casadelarlequin_cali). They often post invitations to exclusive events (like dinners with artists) that are not in the official program. It is the best way to find out what is really happening in San Antonio off the tourist trail.
- Bring cash: Many street vendors and some bars do not accept cards. The nearest ATMs are on Avenida Sexta, a 10-minute walk away.
- Do not limit yourself to the official houses: During the Night of Museums, many neighbors spontaneously open their doors. If you see a house with music and lights, ask if you can come in. The people of San Antonio are known for their hospitality.
- The weather: In May, Cali is in the rainy season. Bring a small umbrella or a waterproof jacket. Most events are outdoors or in semi-open patios.
Fun fact: Casa del Arlequín has a water well in its patio dating back to 1740. During the Night of Museums, the organizers light it up with colored LED lights. Local tradition says that if you toss a coin into the well and make a wish while a saxophone plays, the wish will come true before the next Cali Fair. It is unproven, but every year the line to toss the coin gets longer.
To close, a recommendation: after 10:00 p.m., when most houses close, the neighborhood fills with music in the streets. Look for the corner of Carrera 3 with Calle 4, where a group of local musicians improvises a salsa rueda until midnight. There are no microphones or stage, just drums, maracas, and voices. That, more than any museum, is the true Night of Museums in Cali.