Museo de Arqueología e Historia Francisco Fonck — Attraction in Viña del Mar

Museo de Arqueología e Historia Francisco Fonck (The Museum of Archaeology and History Francisco Fonck) or the Fonck Museum, located in Cuatro Norte Street, in Viña del Mar has a large exhibition of pre-Columbian articles, and a large Moai(Easter Island statue made of volcanic rock) on display, the only one in mainland Chile. Chile annexed Easter Island in 1888. Viña del Mar(meaning Vineyard of the Sea), also referred to as La Ciudad Jardín (The Garden City) is a coastal resort city nearly 130km from northwest of Santiago, Chile. The beautiful city is known for its gardens, beaches and high-rise buildings. Viña del Mar is located within the Valparaíso Region and is separated by a distance of 8km. This place before taking the name Viña del Mar was known as the valley of Peuco by the Changos, native inhabitants of the area mainy into fishing. Modernisation started with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. City land marks are, large flower clock (Reloj de Flores) with its numbers made up of flowering plants, near Caleta Abarca beach, Jardín Botánico or Parque del Salitre(large botanical garden on the outskirts of the city), Palacio Presidencial (Presidential Palace) located on Cerro Castillo(Castle Hill), Palacio Rioja located on Quillota Street(mansion built by Fernando Rioja in 1907 housesing an environmental museum), Brunet Castle (Castillo Yarur), Castillo Wulff, Palacio Carrasco, Quinta Vergara( home to the Quinta Vergara Amphitheater, and the early-20th-century Vergara Palace and also the Artequin Museum displaying copies of major artworks), Beach near Reñaca, Beach in Viña Del Mar. Simply marvelous....

Excelent organization and cheaper tickets for students. Downstairs, there's a permanent exposition about the history of Chile (as it is a very extens country, it is interesting to see how the history was different from Arica to the South). The mummies and the ancient skulls are very conserved and they still transmit the intense spirituality of their tribes. Upstairs, there's a exposition of animals and insects very good as well. My friend is a biology student and he was fascinated about all it. The moai statue in front of the museum is also very atractive, and it is almost mandatory to take a...

This museum is such a little gem in Viña. My husband and I initially came to see the authentic moai statue outside and decided to visit the exhibits- for just $3000 pesos (approx. $4 USD) the price can't be beat. The first floor contains various exhibits on the history of the indigenous people of Chile. The part I loved the most was that it presented their history and archaeological artifacts with respect and didn't shy away from talking about the dark history of european colonialism, especially for the people of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Overall it was a great way to start our Saturday...