Museo Histórico y Antropológico Maurice van de Maele
Discover Valdivia's rich past, from indigenous heritage to European settlement, in this charming historical and anthropological museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Museo Histórico y Antropológico Maurice van de Maele
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Valdivia's rich past, from indigenous heritage to European settlement, in this charming historical and anthropological museum.
"A well-curated museum with attractive views over the river to the city centre."
🎯 Combo Ticket Savings
Visit both the Museo Histórico y Antropológico and Museo de la Exploración for a combined price of 3,000 CLP!
🚗 Entrance Navigation
Car and pedestrian entrances aren't always clearly marked. Look for signs within the site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indigenous and Settler History
Ground and upper floors
Explore exhibits on indigenous cultures, Spanish colonial life, and German settler history in Valdivia.
River Views from the Garden
Museum garden
Enjoy picturesque views of the Valdivia river and city center from the museum's serene garden.
Historical German House Setting
Ground floor
Experience a room recreated as a 16th/17th-century Spanish dwelling, showcasing historical arrangements.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Museum and Its Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combo Ticket Savings
Visit both the Museo Histórico y Antropológico and Museo de la Exploración for a combined price of 3,000 CLP!
🚗 Entrance Navigation
Car and pedestrian entrances aren't always clearly marked. Look for signs within the site.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to see everything. You can go slow or fast depending on your interest.
📚 Student Discounts
Students often get free admission, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combo Ticket Savings
Visit both the Museo Histórico y Antropológico and Museo de la Exploración for a combined price of 3,000 CLP!
🚗 Entrance Navigation
Car and pedestrian entrances aren't always clearly marked. Look for signs within the site.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to see everything. You can go slow or fast depending on your interest.
📚 Student Discounts
Students often get free admission, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
🖼️ New Interactive Exhibits
The museum is developing new interactive museography and exhibition scripts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museo Histórico y Antropológico Maurice van de Maele to be a charming and well-curated museum offering a glimpse into Valdivia's diverse history, from indigenous roots to European settlement. While some feel certain historical events are underrepresented, the engaging exhibits and beautiful river views make it a worthwhile visit, especially for its affordability.
"Lovely little museum and not too costly either. I’ve just attached a copy of the opening hours and prices as of when I post this."
Katie Burgess
"A well-curated museum with indigenous displays on the top floor, while Spanish and German-influenced exhibits are on either side of the ground floor entrance. Attractive views over the river to the city centre from the front of the museum.
My favourite exhibits were connected to Roberto Mahler, relative of Gustav, and the development of Western classical music in Valdivia. Surprisingly, the museum does not include reference to the major earthquake of 1960 and its consequences.
The car and pedestrian entrance to the museum complex is not clearly marked, although there are clear signposts to the various buildings from within the site.
The Contemporary Art Gallery that was - perhaps will still be? - adjacent to this museum is currently a building site."
Gavin Roberts
"It's a cute museum, perfect for a rainy afternoon. It misses some information but the upstairs rooms are well curated."
Ingrid P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Valdivia, Chile. While specific public transport details can vary, it's often accessible by local buses or a short taxi ride from the city center. Parking can be a bit tricky, so check for clear signposts upon arrival.
The car entrance to the museum complex is not always clearly marked. Visitors are advised to look for signposts from within the site to navigate to the correct buildings.
While signposts exist within the site, the main entrance can be a bit elusive. It's recommended to use GPS or ask locals for directions if you're unsure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, but the museum is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday. It's always a good idea to check the official museum website or social media for the most up-to-date information, especially during holidays or special events.
Admission fees are generally affordable. One reviewer mentioned a price of 3,000 CLP for entry, and a combined ticket for this museum and the Museo de la Exploración Rudolph Amandus Philippi is available for 3,000 CLP. Students often receive free admission.
Yes, students typically get free admission. Additionally, a combo ticket for two museums can offer savings.
Occasionally, the museum may have temporary access changes due to maintenance. For instance, one period saw visitors directed through the interior patio entrance. Always check for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse range of exhibits, including pre-historic pottery, indigenous silver jewelry, artifacts from near Valdivia, and extensive history on German settlers from the 1800s. There's also a room recreated as a historical Spanish dwelling.
Absolutely! It's described as a 'cute museum, perfect for a rainy afternoon,' offering a cozy indoor experience with interesting historical displays.
Most visitors find that 1 to 1.5 hours is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly, depending on your pace and interest level.
Yes, the museum offers attractive views over the river towards the city center, particularly from the front of the museum and its garden.
The museum is actively working on new interactive museography and exhibition scripts, aiming to enhance the learning experience for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While not explicitly stated as prohibited, it's always best to be respectful of other visitors and inquire about specific restrictions, especially for flash photography, which is often discouraged in museums.
The garden offers lovely views of the Valdivia river and city skyline, making it a great spot for scenic photos. The historical room recreations also provide unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds, making it easier to navigate with little ones. The affordable entry fee, especially with potential student discounts for older children, makes it a budget-friendly option for a family activity. The developing interactive exhibits are also a positive sign for future family engagement.
💰 Budget Travelers
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase a combo ticket that includes entry to another fascinating museum, the Museo de la Exploración Rudolph Amandus Philippi, for just 3,000 CLP. This allows you to experience two cultural highlights for the price of one.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Valdivia's Diverse Heritage
The museum is housed within a historic German house, adding to the immersive experience. One of its unique features is a room meticulously recreated to resemble a 16th or 17th-century Spanish dwelling, complete with a brasero and traditional seating arrangements. This attention to detail allows visitors to step back in time and visualize domestic life from centuries past.
While the museum provides a comprehensive overview, some reviewers note that it doesn't delve deeply into certain historical events, such as the major 1960 earthquake. However, the ongoing development of new interactive museography promises to further enrich the visitor experience, making history more engaging and accessible for all.
The Museum's Role in the Community
+1The museum collaborates with educational bodies, hosting guided visits for students from local high schools and universities. These visits aim to provide enriching learning experiences, connecting students with their heritage and the broader historical context of the region.
+1Furthermore, the museum is committed to expanding its offerings with new exhibitions focused on indigenous heritage and industrial memory. This forward-looking approach ensures that the museum remains a dynamic and relevant institution, continuously evolving to better serve its audience and preserve Valdivia's rich cultural tapestry.
+1
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