Museo Maggiorino Borgatello (Maggiorino Borgatello Museum), Punta Arenas
The Maggiorino Borgatello Museum is one of the most fascinating cultural institutions in southern Chile, offering an in-depth look at the natural and human history of Patagonia and the Chilean Antarctic region. Founded in 1893 by Salesian missionaries and named after its first director, Father Maggiorino Borgatello, the museum is the third-oldest in Chile and remains one of the most significant of its kind worldwide. With four exhibition levels spread across three floors, this museum houses a treasure trove of ethnographic, natural, and historical exhibits that bring the story of the region to life. Visitors can explore displays of regional fauna and flora, ancient tools, crafts, religious relics, and rare archaeological finds鈥攊ncluding mummies and even shrunken heads.
A key focus of the museum is its thoughtful and comprehensive portrayal of the indigenous peoples of Patagonia, particularly the Selknam, Yaghan, and Kaw茅sqar tribes. Through artifacts, replica cave paintings, and informative displays, the museum documents their traditional lifestyles, spiritual beliefs, and the tragic decline of their populations following European colonization and the expansion of sheep farming. Alongside this, the museum showcases the successive waves of immigrants who shaped Punta Arenas into a thriving port city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum also offers insight into Chile's role in Antarctic exploration, with exhibits that trace scientific missions and the nation鈥檚 current presence on the frozen continent.
The Salesian Museum Maggiorino Borgatello stands as a cultural beacon for the Magallanes region and beyond, preserving the material and intangible heritage of southern Patagonia. Its mission extends beyond display鈥攊t aims to educate, inspire dialogue, and promote respect for the diverse peoples and ecosystems of this remote corner of the world.
A key focus of the museum is its thoughtful and comprehensive portrayal of the indigenous peoples of Patagonia, particularly the Selknam, Yaghan, and Kaw茅sqar tribes. Through artifacts, replica cave paintings, and informative displays, the museum documents their traditional lifestyles, spiritual beliefs, and the tragic decline of their populations following European colonization and the expansion of sheep farming. Alongside this, the museum showcases the successive waves of immigrants who shaped Punta Arenas into a thriving port city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum also offers insight into Chile's role in Antarctic exploration, with exhibits that trace scientific missions and the nation鈥檚 current presence on the frozen continent.
The Salesian Museum Maggiorino Borgatello stands as a cultural beacon for the Magallanes region and beyond, preserving the material and intangible heritage of southern Patagonia. Its mission extends beyond display鈥攊t aims to educate, inspire dialogue, and promote respect for the diverse peoples and ecosystems of this remote corner of the world.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Punta Arenas. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Museo Maggiorino Borgatello (Maggiorino Borgatello Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Museo Maggiorino Borgatello (Maggiorino Borgatello Museum)
Sight Location: Punta Arenas, Chile (See walking tours in Punta Arenas)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Punta Arenas, Chile (See walking tours in Punta Arenas)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Punta Arenas, Chile
Create Your Own Walk in Punta Arenas
Creating your own self-guided walk in Punta Arenas is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Punta Arenas Introduction Walking Tour
From the dramatic peaks of the Andes Mountains to the penguin-filled shores of Magdalena Island, the landscapes surrounding Punta Arenas are nothing short of extraordinary. Set along the Strait of Magellan in southern Chile, the city is the world鈥檚 southernmost urban center of notable size鈥攁nd long a point of passage for those headed toward Antarctica. Long before shipping routes shifted to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles