The best souvenir from Comuna 13 is art bought straight from the people who paint the neighborhood. Many artists and collectives sell prints, small canvases, stickers and other pieces from their own studios and shops along the visitor route. Ask who made the work, pay without hard bargaining, and plan how you'll pack it before you buy. That way your money goes where it should and the piece arrives home in one piece.
Why buying direct matters here
The murals of Comuna 13 are free to look at, but they aren't free to make. Paint, tools and the time spent designing and painting large walls all add up. Commissions and sales of smaller pieces are part of how many artists keep working, and part of how the neighborhood's art scene sustains itself.
When you buy from an artist or a collective run by local artists, more of your money stays with the person whose work you admire. It also starts a conversation. Ask about a piece and you'll often hear the story behind a nearby mural, how the artist got started, or what the symbols mean. We look at the bigger picture of how artists earn in Comuna 13 mural economics.
What you can buy
Selection varies from shop to shop and changes over time, but these are the formats you'll most often find.
| Format | What it is | Travel-friendliness | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stickers | Artist tags, characters, slogans | Excellent, flat and light | An easy way to support several artists |
| Small prints | Reproductions of murals or studio designs | Very good, flat or rolled | Ask whether it's a limited run and whether it's signed |
| Original small works | Paintings on canvas, wood or paper | Good if unstretched | Each one is unique. Ask how it was made. |
| Stretched canvases | Canvas mounted on a wooden frame | Bulky, may need checking or shipping | Ask if the artist can take it off the frame and roll it |
| Wearables and objects | T-shirts, caps, painted items | Good | Check whether the design is the artist's own |
If you loved a particular mural, ask nearby shops whether the artist sells prints of it, and where. Many murals are signed, so you may be able to find the artist's own studio or social media.
How to tell you're buying from the artist
Not every souvenir on the route was made in the neighborhood. Some generic items are mass-produced elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with a fun keychain, but if your goal is to support local artists, a few questions help.
- Ask "¿Quién lo hizo?" (Who made it?). In an artist-run space, the answer will often be "I did" or the name of a collective member.
- Look for a signature, tag or artist mark. Prints and originals are often signed. Stickers may carry an artist's handle.
- Compare to the walls. If the style matches murals you just walked past, that's a good sign.
- Notice whether it's everywhere. Identical items at many stalls are probably mass-produced.
- Ask about the meaning. An artist can explain their work. A reseller usually can't go deep.
- Ask a local guide. A guide from the neighborhood can point you to studios run by the artists themselves.
To know the names and styles before you go, browse our pieces on Comuna 13's artist collectives and the neighborhood's next generation of young artists.
Paying fairly: cash, cards and bargaining
Cash or card?
Some studios and larger shops take cards or digital payments, while many small sellers prefer cash. Bring enough small bills for stickers and prints. For a bigger piece, ask how they'd like to be paid before you commit, rather than at the end.
How to think about price
We don't list prices here because they vary widely by artist, size, medium and whether a piece is original or a reproduction, and because they change. Instead, think about what drives price:
- Original vs. reproduction: one-of-a-kind work reflects hours of an artist's time.
- Size and materials: canvas, quality paper and framing all cost money.
- Edition size: a small, signed print run is worth more than an open edition.
- The artist's reputation: established names charge more, and rightly so.
Bargaining etiquette
Hard bargaining over original art isn't appropriate, and it can come across as disrespectful in a neighborhood where tourism income matters. If you're buying several items, it's fine to ask, "¿Me hace un precio por todo?" (Could you give me a price for everything?). Accept the answer gracefully either way.
Don't photograph art in a shop and walk away to "think about it" without asking first. Some artists are understandably wary of their designs being copied. If you want a photo for later, just ask.
Packing art to fly home
Most art damage happens in transit, not in the shop. Plan before you buy, especially for anything larger than a print.
- Ask the artist to pack it. Many are used to selling to travelers and can roll a canvas, add protective paper, or recommend a tube.
- Roll paintings with the paint facing out. When rolling a painted canvas, rolling with the painted side out reduces the risk of cracking. Put a clean sheet of paper over the surface first.
- Use a rigid tube. A sturdy cardboard or plastic tube protects rolled pieces from being crushed. Buy one in Medellín, or bring a collapsible one.
- Keep flat prints flat. Slide them between two pieces of cardboard inside a folder, and pack them against the back panel of your carry-on.
- Carry it on if you can. Check your airline's carry-on size limits before your flight. A tube often fits as a personal item or alongside your bag.
- Consider shipping for big pieces. For large stretched canvases, ask the artist or a local shipping service about sending it. Get the details in writing, including tracking and insurance.
When you arrive, check whether your home country has any declaration rules for art or souvenirs. Personal souvenirs of modest value are usually simple, but rules differ by country.
After the trip: staying connected
Buying a piece can be the start of a longer connection. Many Comuna 13 artists share new work on social media, take commissions, or sell online. Ask for their handle when you buy, follow them, and tag them when you post photos of their murals or the work you bought. It's free, and visibility matters to artists.
Some artists also run workshops and classes, another way to support them while learning a little technique yourself.
FAQ
Can you buy art directly from Comuna 13 artists?
Yes. Many artists and collectives sell their own work from studios, galleries and small shops along the visitor route. Buying in a space run by the artist or their collective is the most direct way to support them.
How do I know the art is by a local artist?
Ask who made it and whether they are from the neighborhood, look for a signature or artist tag, and see whether the style matches murals nearby. Artists are usually happy to talk about their work. Mass-produced souvenirs tend to be identical across many stalls.
Should I haggle?
Hard bargaining over original art is generally not appropriate, since the price reflects an artist's time and skill. If you are buying several pieces, it is fine to ask politely whether there is a price for the set.
Can I take a canvas on the plane?
Small rolled prints and canvases usually travel fine in a tube as carry-on, but airline rules vary, so check your carrier's carry-on size limits. Larger stretched canvases may need to be checked or shipped.
Do Comuna 13 artists accept cards?
Some studios and shops accept cards or digital payments; many smaller sellers prefer cash. Carry enough small bills for stickers and prints, and ask before choosing a larger piece.