Museum of Gustavo Le Paige
Antofagasta
The R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum, located in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, is renowned for its extensive collection of approximately 380,000 pre-Columbian artifacts from the Atacameño culture. Founded by Jesuit missionary Father Gustavo Le Paige, who dedicated much of his life to archaeological research in the region, the museum is affiliated with the Catholic University of the North. It originally opened in the early 1960s, expanding over time to include exhibition halls, laboratories, a library, and a treasure room displaying gold artifacts. The museum underwent refurbishment starting in 2015, with collections temporarily relocated to the university's research institute. While visitor access to certain exhibits like well-preserved mummies was discontinued in 2007 following requests from the local Lickanantai community, the museum remains a key cultural and tourist attraction, offering invaluable insight into the ancient heritage of the Atacama Desert region.
Planifica tu viaje a Chile con IA
Crea un itinerario detallado en minutos. La IA sugiere los mejores lugares, restaurantes y una ruta optimizada.
Consejo: Visitors should plan their visit outside of refurbishment periods to experience the full range of exhibits. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to gain deeper understanding of the Atacameño culture. The best time to visit is during the dry season for comfortable weather. Some discounts may be available for students and groups; check the official website or contact the museum for updated information.
Datos interesantes
- •The museum houses nearly 380,000 artifacts from the Atacameño culture, making it one of the largest collections of its kind.
- •It was founded by Jesuit missionary Father Gustavo Le Paige, who began archaeological work in the area in the 1950s.
- •In 1991, the museum opened a Treasure Room funded by Minera Escondida to display gold artifacts.
- •Well-preserved mummies were exhibited until 2007, when they were removed at the request of the local Lickanantai community.
- •The museum is affiliated with the Catholic University of the North and serves as a major cultural attraction in San Pedro de Atacama.
Historia
The museum was founded by Father Gustavo Le Paige after he settled in San Pedro de Atacama in 1955 and began collecting archaeological artifacts.
The first museum opened in his parish house in 1957, with a dedicated pavilion inaugurated in 1963 with support from the Catholic University of the North.
Over subsequent decades, the museum expanded its facilities and collections, including the opening of the Treasure Room in 1991.
In 2007, the museum removed its mummy exhibits at the request of the indigenous Lickanantai.
In 2015, the museum closed for refurbishment, with collections moved to a university research institute, though redevelopment has faced local legal and administrative challenges.
Guía del lugar
Exhibition Hall
The main area where a vast array of pre-Columbian artifacts from the Atacameño culture are displayed, illustrating the region's ancient history and culture.
Treasure Room1991
Opened in 1991 with funding from Minera Escondida, this room showcases gold pieces and other precious artifacts from the museum's collection.
Laboratories and Research Pavilion
Facilities dedicated to the study, preservation, and documentation of the archaeological artifacts, supporting ongoing research efforts.
Contacto
Teléfono: 9 4005 8263