All archaeology museums to visit in Chile

Uncover the secrets of the past at 26 archaeology museums in Chile. These museums feature artifacts and exhibits that reveal the history of ancient civilizations.

Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in Chile:

  1. Museum of Precolombian Art1

    Museum of Precolombian Art

     Santiago
    The Museum is housed in the old building of the Royal Customs Palace of Santiago, located at the corner of Bandera and Compañía streets, in the historic center of the Chilean capital. It is conveniently located near the Plaza de Armas metro station, making it easily accessible for tourists.
  2. Museum of Visual Arts2

    Museum of Visual Arts

     Santiago
    The Museum of Visual Arts (MAVI) is situated in the vibrant Lastarria neighborhood of Santiago, Chile. It is conveniently located next to the Archaeological Museum of Santiago, in the Mulato Gil de Castro Square. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city and are interested in immersing themselves in Chilean art and culture.
  3. National Museum of Natural History3

    National Museum of Natural History

     Santiago
    The Chilean National Museum of Natural History, one of the three national museums in Chile, is situated in Quinta Normal Park. This museum, founded in 1830, is one of the oldest natural history museums in South America. It was established with a focus on the biology and geography of Chile, particularly its crops and mineral resources.
  4. Museo Fonck4

    Museo Fonck

     Viña del Mar
    The Museo Fonck, also known as the Museo de Arqueología e Historia Francisco Fonck, is situated at 4 Norte 784 esquina 1 Oriente, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, in Chile. This museum was inaugurated on November 25, 1937, and is named in honor of Francisco Fonck, a German doctor, explorer, and politician who settled in Chile and is known for his exploration of southern Chile.
  5. San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum5

    San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum

     Arica
    A place for all history buffs. The biggest attraction are the Chinchorro mummies, which are said to be even older than the Egyptian ones.
  6. R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum6

    R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum

     San Pedro de Atacama
    The R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum was situated in the commune of San Pedro de Atacama, in the II Region of Antofagasta, Chile. This location is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, making it a significant site for those interested in archaeology and history.
  7. Domo Cultura Ánimas7

    Domo Cultura Ánimas

     Coquimbo
    The Domo Cultura Ánimas is a site museum situated in the Chilean city of Coquimbo. It is named after the Ánimas culture, which was a precursor to the Diaguita culture. The Diaguita culture inhabited the northern part of Chile between 900 and 1200 AD. The museum was established after the remains of this culture were discovered during excavations in the area.
  8. Museo Regional de Antofagasta8

    Museo Regional de Antofagasta

     Antofagasta
    The Museo de Antofagasta, situated in the Historic District of Antofagasta, is a museum that showcases historical and archaeological artifacts. This location offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and archaeology of the region.
  9. Museo Regional de Iquique9

    Museo Regional de Iquique

     Iquique
    Established in 1960, the Museo Regional de Iquique initially operated under the University of the North and was located on Bolívar Street. However, since 1987, the museum has been housed in the building that once served as the Courts of Justice of Iquique, at 951 Baquedano Walk. This location is part of the Typical Zone, a heritage area declared in 1977.
  10. Museo de Historia Natural de Concepción10

    Museo de Historia Natural de Concepción

     Concepcion
    The Museo de Historia Natural de Concepción, located in the city of Concepción, Chile, offers a unique insight into the geographical history of not only the city and the Biobío Region, but also Chile and South America. The museum's collection is a testament to the rich and diverse history of these regions, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in natural history.
  11. Regional Museum of Rancagua11

    Regional Museum of Rancagua

     Rancagua
    The museum's collection is displayed in various settings that replicate a 19th-century house. Visitors can explore a living room, dining room, bedroom, study, and traditional kitchen, each filled with period-appropriate objects.
  12. Rapa Nui Museum12

    Rapa Nui Museum

     Easter Island
    The Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum is situated in the town of Hanga Roa on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, in Chilean Polynesia. Named after the Bavarian missionary, Fr. Sebastian Englert, the museum was established in 1973 and is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Rapa Nui. The museum is managed by the Chilean National Service of Cultural Heritage and houses the William Mulloy Library.
  13. Archaeological Museum of La Serena13

    Archaeological Museum of La Serena

     La Serena
    The Archaeological Museum of La Serena is a centrally located museum in the city of La Serena, which is the capital of the Coquimbo Region. The museum was established on April 3, 1943, making it a longstanding institution in the city.
  14. Museo del Limarí14

    Museo del Limarí

     Ovalle
    The Museo del Limarí is situated in the north-central part of Ovalle, the capital city of the Limarí province in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  15. Museo de La Ligua15

    Museo de La Ligua

     La Ligua
    The Museo de La Ligua is a cultural institution located in the Province of Petorca, in the Valparaíso Region of northern Chile. It is under the jurisdiction of the Ilustre Municipalidad de La Ligua. This museum is a significant part of the cultural landscape of the region, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history and heritage of the area.
  16. Museo del Carmen de Maipú16

    Museo del Carmen de Maipú

     Maipú
    The Museo del Carmen de Maipú is a private museum with a historical, religious, and artistic character. It is located in the commune of Maipú, Santiago de Chile. The museum is a place that preserves, exhibits, and communicates various goods of Chilean cultural heritage.
  17. Military and Historical Museum of Chile17

    Military and Historical Museum of Chile

     Santiago
    The Military and Historical Museum of Chile, also known as MHM, is a permanent institution situated in Santiago, Chile. It is open to the public and is dedicated to serving society and its development. The museum's administration is managed by the Chilean Army Garrison. It was established to educate the public about Chile's military history and its value as a historical-cultural heritage.
  18. Museo Lircunlauta18

    Museo Lircunlauta

     San Fernando
    The southern sector of La Casa Patronal del Fundo de Lircunlauta is home to the Ilustre Municipalidad de San Fernando and the Museo de Lircunlauta. This means that visitors to the museum also have the opportunity to explore the historic building in which it is housed, adding an extra layer of interest to their visit.
  19. Museo O'Higginiano y de Bellas Artes de Talca19

    Museo O'Higginiano y de Bellas Artes de Talca

     Talca
    Founded on August 20, 1964, the Museo O'Higginiano y de Bellas Artes de Talca has since become a repository of significant collections. These include Chilean paintings, sculptures, Mapuche silverware, manuscripts, weapons, and numismatics. These collections offer a comprehensive insight into the artistic and historical past of the Maule Region and the country.
  20. Museo Regional de la Araucanía20

    Museo Regional de la Araucanía

     Temuco
    The Museo Regional de la Araucania, located in the city of Temuco, is a significant cultural institution. Its mission is to preserve, research, disseminate, and value the various cultural heritages that coexist in the region. This includes different periods and spaces, providing a comprehensive view of the region's rich cultural history.
  21. Museo Histórico de Yerbas Buenas Casa del Brigadier Pareja21

    Museo Histórico de Yerbas Buenas Casa del Brigadier Pareja

     Yerbas Buenas
    The Museo Histórico de Yerbas Buenas is situated in the commune of Yerbas Buenas, in the Province of Linares, within the Seventh region of Maule, Chile. This location is known for its colonial-style architecture, which is a significant tourist attraction in the area, along with the museum itself.
  22. Museo Histórico-Arqueológico de Quillota22

    Museo Histórico-Arqueológico de Quillota

     Quillota
    The Museo Histórico-Arqueológico de Quillota (MHAQ) is situated in the heart of Quillota, Valparaíso, Chile. Its exact location is 336 San Martín Street. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  23. Regional Museum of Atacama23

    Regional Museum of Atacama

     Copiapó
    The Regional Museum of Atacama, situated in Copiapó, Chile, is a non-profit cultural institution. Its mission is to rescue, record, document, preserve, research, value, and disseminate the cultural heritage it safeguards. This includes collections that collectively represent a significant part of the regional cultural identity of Atacama.
  24. Museo Histórico y Antropológico Maurice van de Maele24

    Museo Histórico y Antropológico Maurice van de Maele

     Valdivia
    The Maurice van de Maele Historical and Anthropological Museum, also known as Casa Carlos Anwandter, is a house museum located in the city of Valdivia, Chile. It is managed by the Austral University of Chile, ensuring that the museum is maintained to a high standard and that the exhibits are curated with academic rigor. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and anthropology of the region in a setting that is both historical and personal.
  25. 25

    Museo Municipal de Cochrane

     Cochrane
    The Museo Municipal de Cochrane is an archaeological, anthropological, and natural history museum. It is situated in the Chilean commune of Cochrane, in the Aysén Region of General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region through its diverse collections.
  26. 26

    Museo Mapuche de Cañete

     Cañete
    The Museo Mapuche de Cañete is situated in the city of Cañete, within the province of Arauco, in the Biobío Region. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.