History
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Binational centers originated at the end of the Second World War, by the end of the 40’s. Then, the Centro Colombo Americanos of Bogota and later Medellin and Barranquilla were created. In the 50’s, one was created in Cali and one in Manizales in 1959. Later, binational centers were created in Bucaramanga, Pereira, Cartagena and Armenia.

A group of notable Manizales citizens and several Americans thought that Manizales, due to its cultural vocation, would require an institution where the young people of Manizales could learn English, have access to cultural and educational exchange with the United States and connect with the world beyond its borders. Among other illustrious founders are Ernesto Gutiérrez Arango, Mario Vélez Escobar, Mercedes Berrío de Mejía, Gisela Botero de Botero, Orryn L. Nye, Robert Vélez Sánz.

The Centro Colombo Americano of Manizales immediately obtained the recognition of the embassy of the United States as a cultural and binational center and since then, it has become one of the cultural centers with the greatest activity and involvement with the community of the city