The museum is open from 10 am - 6 pm
Calle San Juan de Dios No 3-62 Cartagena
The Foundation
The Caribbean Naval Museum Foundation is the private, nonprofit organization that ensures the existence, operation, and financial sustainability of our museum. Founded with the mission of safeguarding the country’s maritime heritage, the Foundation works in constant cooperation with the Colombian Navy to keep the memory of our sailors alive.
The Caribbean Naval Museum Foundation is the private, nonprofit organization that ensures the existence, operation, and financial sustainability of our museum. Founded with the mission of safeguarding the country’s maritime heritage, the Foundation works in constant cooperation with the Colombian Navy to keep the memory of our sailors alive.
Origin and Development
For many years, there was talk in naval circles about the need for a museum to preserve the country’s naval and maritime historical heritage. Some naval authors and historians emphasized the need for a physical space to preserve this heritage, particularly after the Korean War. In 1970, an attempt was made to establish a nonprofit association, but unfortunately, it did not succeed.
Finally, the long-held idea became a reality when a new entity was created under the name “Fundación Museo Naval del Caribe,” moving from intention to action, an initiative that has endured.
August 3, 1987: An initial planning meeting was held at the Cartagena City Hall to propose the creation of the entity as a foundation.
February 26, 1988: At the invitation of the prominent intellectual Dr. Mauricio Obregón Andreu, the final founding assembly of the Foundation was held in the courtyard of the old, dilapidated building. At this event, the bylaws were approved, the first president was elected, and the legal entity that has administered the museum ever since was established.
A group of naval officers and interested citizens responded to that call; they signed the Articles of Incorporation and, through their financial contributions, established the endowment that ultimately served to launch and establish the Caribbean Naval Museum as we know it today. VIEW LIST OF FOUNDERS
Thanks to the efforts of its administrative bodies and its legal authority to enter into contracts and accept donations, the Foundation has multiplied its initial endowment several times over, enabling it to remain a self-sustaining nonprofit organization.
Origin and Development
For many years, there was talk in naval circles about the need for a museum to preserve the country’s naval and maritime historical heritage. Some naval authors and historians emphasized the need for a physical space to preserve this heritage, particularly after the Korean War. In 1970, an attempt was made to establish a nonprofit association, but unfortunately, it did not succeed.
Finally, the long-held idea became a reality when a new entity was created under the name “Fundación Museo Naval del Caribe,” moving from intention to action, an initiative that has endured.
August 3, 1987: An initial planning meeting was held at the Cartagena City Hall to propose the creation of the entity as a foundation.
February 26, 1988: At the invitation of the prominent intellectual Dr. Mauricio Obregón Andreu, the final founding assembly of the Foundation was held in the courtyard of the old, dilapidated building. At this event, the bylaws were approved, the first president was elected, and the legal entity that has administered the museum ever since was established.
A group of naval officers and interested citizens responded to that call; they signed the Articles of Incorporation and, through their financial contributions, established the endowment that ultimately served to launch and establish the Caribbean Naval Museum as we know it today. VIEW LIST OF FOUNDERS
Thanks to the efforts of its administrative bodies and its legal authority to enter into contracts and accept donations, the Foundation has multiplied its initial endowment several times over, enabling it to remain a self-sustaining nonprofit organization.
Governing Bodies
To ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment with the nation’s interests, the Foundation is governed by the following administrative bodies in hierarchical order:
1. The General Assembly: This is the Foundation’s highest governing body. It is composed of the following members:
- Founders: those who signed the Articles of Incorporation and contributed their share to the Foundation’s initial capital.
- Benefactors: those who have contributed to the Foundation through donations; since 1998, former presidents of the Foundation have also been included as benefactors.
- Honorary Members: those designated as such by the General Assembly.
2. The President of the Foundation: A position initially held by Dr. Mauricio Obregón until his death in 1998. Since then, the position has been held by the naval officer serving as Commander of the National Navy.
3. The Board of Directors: Composed of eleven institutional officials and five delegates from the Assembly.
4. The Museum Director: A position held by the naval officer serving as Director of the “Admiral Padilla” Naval Cadet School.
Governing Bodies
To ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment with the nation’s interests, the Foundation is governed by the following administrative bodies in hierarchical order:
1. The General Assembly: This is the Foundation’s highest governing body. It is composed of the following members:
- Founders: those who signed the Articles of Incorporation and contributed their share to the Foundation’s initial capital.
- Benefactors: those who have contributed to the Foundation through donations; since 1998, former presidents of the Foundation have also been included as benefactors.
- Honorary Members: those designated as such by the General Assembly.
2. The President of the Foundation: A position initially held by Dr. Mauricio Obregón until his death in 1998. Since then, the position has been held by the naval officer serving as Commander of the National Navy.
3. The Board of Directors: Composed of eleven institutional officials and five delegates from the Assembly.
4. The Museum Director: A position held by the naval officer serving as Director of the “Admiral Padilla” Naval Cadet School.
A Successful Management Model (Public-Private)
The Caribbean Naval Museum operates under an administrative model that is unique in the country and has ensured its success throughout its nearly 40 years of continuous operation:
- The Foundation (The Software): Provides autonomous legal status, administrative flexibility for hiring, and the legal capacity to receive private donations and international aid.
- The National Navy (The Hardware): It supports the Foundation by providing the use of the historic headquarters on a loan-for-use basis, ongoing logistical support, and the invaluable contributions of Colombia’s maritime collections and seafaring tradition.
Each of the two entities has different functions and powers according to its institutional and legal framework, but they work together operationally and complement one another to achieve and maintain a common goal: the continued existence of the Caribbean Naval Museum.
A Successful Management Model (Public-Private)
The Caribbean Naval Museum operates under an administrative model that is unique in the country and has ensured its success throughout its nearly 40 years of continuous operation:
- The Foundation (The Software): Provides autonomous legal status, administrative flexibility for hiring, and the legal capacity to receive private donations and international aid.
- The National Navy (The Hardware): It supports the Foundation by providing the use of the historic headquarters on a loan-for-use basis, ongoing logistical support, and the invaluable contributions of Colombia’s maritime collections and seafaring tradition.
Each of the two entities has different functions and powers according to its institutional and legal framework, but they work together operationally and complement one another to achieve and maintain a common goal: the continued existence of the Caribbean Naval Museum.
Support Our Legacy
Thanks to its autonomy and legal authority, the Foundation manages the funds it generates through admission fees and private donations. This allows the museum to be self-sufficient and continue to expand its cultural heritage without placing a financial burden on the government. SEE LIST OF FOUNDERS 1988
Support Our Legacy
Thanks to its autonomy and legal authority, the Foundation manages the funds it generates through admission fees and private donations. This allows the museum to be self-sufficient and continue to expand its cultural heritage without placing a financial burden on the government. SEE LIST OF FOUNDERS 1988
Would you like to see our rooms?
Find out everything you need to know about our museum galleries.
Would you like to see our rooms?
Find out everything you need to know about our museum galleries.
