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Archaeological Museum of La Serena: A Journey Through Chile's Ancient Past

Discover Chile's ancient past at the Archaeological Museum of La Serena, home to a rich collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and cultural treasures.

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The Archaeological Museum of La Serena safeguards and showcases the rich pre-Columbian heritage of the Coquimbo region. Founded in 1943, the museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts from the Molle, Diaguita, and Inca cultures, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the ancient peoples who once inhabited this land.

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Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful experience and better engagement with the museum staff.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • Allocate at least two hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and gain a deeper understanding of the region's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the city center, head south on Avenida Francisco de Aguirre. Continue for about 15 minutes until you reach Avenida Balmaceda. Turn left onto Avenida Balmaceda and walk for another 10 minutes. The museum will be on your right. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus heading south from the city center. Get off at the bus stop near Avenida Balmaceda. Walk east on Avenida Balmaceda for about 5 minutes; the museum will be on your right. Public transport costs in La Serena are around $44,098 CLP for a monthly pass. A single trip should cost a fraction of this.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in La Serena. A short taxi ride from the city center to the museum will cost approximately 5271 CLP. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber.

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Discover more about Archaeological Museum of La Serena

The Archaeological Museum of La Serena invites visitors to explore the captivating history of Chile's central-northern region. Founded in 1943 by archaeologist Francisco Cornely, the museum's collection has grown to over 14,000 items, providing insights into the pre-Hispanic cultures that thrived here. The museum's exhibits showcase the legacy of the Molle, Las Ánimas, and Diaguita cultures, as well as the influence of the Inca Empire. Visitors can admire intricate ceramics, stone tools, textiles, and everyday objects that reveal the artistic and technological advancements of these ancient societies. The museum also features a paleontological section displaying fossils of marine vertebrates and invertebrates. One of the museum's highlights is the room dedicated to the El Olivar archaeological site, which provides valuable information about the Diaguita and Las Ánimas cultures. Here, you'll find artifacts discovered at El Olivar, as well as reproductions of petroglyphs from the Valle del Encanto. The museum also boasts a library with nearly 15,000 volumes on archaeology, anthropology, and ethnography. The museum building itself is part of La Serena's urban development plan implemented by President Gabriel González Videla. The imposing stone entrance dates back to the early 19th century and was originally part of the house of José de Recabarren, the city's mayor in the late 18th century.

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