Salesian Museum
Do you have some hours in Punta Arenas? Would you like to learn and discover about the history, culture, religion, fauna, flora and domestic trade? If the answer is yes, then “Maggiorino Borgatello” is the right museum for you.
This historical collection was put together in 1893 by Maggiorino Borgatello with
Angel Benove and is up to these days the most thorough record of culture and life style in the city. Here you can find:
Flora and Fauna: this is one of the oldest collections in Patagonia. It even has samples of animals that are extinct and others that can only be be found in the Antarctic territory.
Ethnography: the collection includes tools, clothes, hunting tools, religious objects of the native groups that once roamed Patagonia. It is also important to mention that this museum has some of the few films made by Alberto De Agostini that capture the motion of these groups.
Missions: there is a vast collection of religious artifacts of the Salesian congregation. This area tells the work carried out by priests who looked after the naties and future generations.
Milodon: this is the only museum in Chile that has hair and excrement samples of this prehistorical creature found in a cave near Puerto Natales.
The Antarctic: here you can have an insight of the human presence in this unspoiled cotinent. This area is still growing and is constantly updated.
Geology and fossils: this area displays a variety of rocks that tell the ancient history of this area. There are alo samples of petrified wood and amonites.
Industry: there is a before and after the discovery of oil. Learn about the importance of this and other economical activities that have shaped the domestic trade.
As you can see this is by far the best option if you are stuck between flights and still want to know something else about the place you are visiting. It will take you probably 1 ½ hour to go through the 4 level exhibit. Just keep one thing in mind: no pictures allowed.
In addition, there is a library with graphic and audio material of the native tribes in Patagonia.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 11.30 am. And in the afternoon from 3 pm to 5.30 pm.
The cost is $ 2.000 Chilean Pesos or U$ 4. (the US entrance fee might vary a bit during the season)
They take U$, Chilean Pesos and Credit Cards
Avda. Bulnes, 336
Main entrance
PO Box 347
PUNTA ARENAS
Phone number: (061) 22 10 01
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