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Archaeology museum · Viña del Mar, Valparaíso
Museo Fonck
Archaeology and history museum with an authentic moai from Rapa Nui at the entrance and collections of indigenous peoples from northern, central and southern Chile.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museo Fonck
The Museo de Arqueología e Historia Francisco Fonck opened in 1937 and is named after Francisco Fonck, a physician and explorer of German origin who lived in Chile. It is located at the corner of 4 Norte and 1 Oriente streets, behind the Palacio Carrasco.
In the entrance garden there is a stone moai brought from Rapa Nui, Easter Island, in 1951. It is one of the few moai outside the island and the first thing visitors see.
The Rapa Nui room brings together wooden sculptures, tools and objects linked to the island's culture, and is considered one of the most complete collections on the subject. Other rooms deal with the continent's indigenous peoples, such as atacameños, diaguitas and mapuches, with ceramics, textiles and metal pieces.
The current building was constructed after the 1985 earthquake, when the museum changed address. For those who don't go to Rapa Nui, the visit provides a good introduction to the island.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours.
Best time
Any day; it's open Monday to Saturday and has reduced hours on Sundays and public holidays. Check before you go.
How to get there
On foot, about ten minutes from Plaza Vergara, crossing the estero Marga Marga to the northern side of the city.
Tip
Photograph the garden's moai before entering, when there are fewer groups. Combine it with a walk around the Palacio Carrasco, right next door.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo Fonck
Is the moai at Museo Fonck authentic?
Yes. It is a stone sculpture brought from Rapa Nui in 1951 and is located in the entrance garden.
What else is at Museo Fonck?
Collections on Rapa Nui and on indigenous peoples of the continent, such as Atacameños, Diaguitas and Mapuches.
Where is Museo Fonck located?
On Calle 4 Norte, at the corner with 1 Oriente, in north-central Viña, behind Palacio Carrasco.