Nature & natural history museums in Chile

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.

A place for all history buffs. The biggest attraction are the Chinchorro mummies, which are said to be even older than the Egyptian ones.

In 1943, to commemorate the centenary of its foundation, Fuerte Bulnes was rebuilt and reopened as a museum. Since 2008, the fort, along with Puerto del Hambre, is part of the 250-hectare Strait of Magellan Park. This park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historical sites and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The Meteorite Museum is situated in the commune of San Pedro de Atacama, in the Antofagasta Region of Chile. It is renowned for its permanent exhibition of a vast collection of meteorites that were discovered in the Atacama Desert, located in the northern part of the country.

The Natural History Museum of Valparaíso, also known as MHNV, is a museum dedicated to natural history and is situated in the city of Valparaíso in Chile. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural history of the region and the country.

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.

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.

The Regional Museum of Aysén is a public institution situated in the city of Coyhaique, in the Aysén Region of Chilean Patagonia. It is part of the National Service of Cultural Heritage and the National System of Museums of Chile. The museum is a significant cultural and historical site that offers visitors a chance to explore the rich heritage of the region.

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.

The Caldera Paleontological Museum, also known as MPC, is a unique destination for those interested in natural history and paleontology. It is conveniently located within the Estación Caldera Cultural Center in the Caldera commune. This location not only provides easy access for visitors but also situates the museum within a vibrant cultural hub.

The Ignacio Domeyko Mineralogical Museum is situated in the city of La Serena, which is in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. This location is significant as it is easily accessible to tourists visiting the region. The museum is a part of the mining engineering department of the University of La Serena, adding to its credibility and authenticity.

La Casa Colorada, or the Red House, is situated at Merced 890, a short distance from the Plaza de Armas and facing the Phillips walk, in the heart of Santiago, Chile. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city center.

The Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum, located in Puerto Williams, Isla Navarino, in the southernmost part of Chile, holds the distinction of being the southernmost museum in the world. This unique location adds to the allure of the museum, making it a point of interest for tourists visiting the region.

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.

The Museo de la Exploración Rudolph Amandus Philippi is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the naturalist Rudolph Amandus Philippi. It is located in the Schüller house at the Universidad Austral de Chile in Valdivia. The museum offers a unique insight into the life and work of Philippi, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in natural history and the history of scientific exploration.

The Museo Municipal de Mejillones is a museum that focuses on history and natural history. It is situated in the Chilean commune of Mejillones, which is part of the Antofagasta Region. The museum was inaugurated in 1979 and was originally known as the Museo del Mar due to its initial focus on marine life. However, it is now known as the Museo Histórico y Natural de Mejillones due to the expansion and refocusing of its museographic script in 1997.

The Museo Entomológico y de Historia Natural de Vicuña is a private institution that was inaugurated on August 12, 1994. It is located in the Chilean commune of Vicuña, in the Coquimbo Region. The museum's focus is on biological sciences and natural history, making it a unique destination for those interested in these fields.

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.