Middle American Research Institute, Research institute at Tulane University, New Orleans, USA.
The Middle American Research Institute is located on the third floor of Dinwiddie Hall and contains a substantial archive of artifacts and documents from Mexico and Central America. The collection includes archaeological finds, handwritten field notes, historical maps, and photographs spanning several decades of scholarly work.
The institute was founded in 1924 with support from a wealthy businessman who hired the first director and assembled an initial collection of academic materials. This early investment established a center focused on research into ancient American cultures.
The collections showcase textiles, ceramics, and everyday objects from Mesoamerica that reveal how people in this region lived and worked. Visitors can observe how daily items and craftsmanship techniques reflect the skills and values of these cultures.
The institute is open to visitors Monday through Friday for viewing archaeological materials and research documents. It helps to plan ahead, as this is a specialized collection and hours may be limited.
Since its early years, the institute has produced a series of scholarly publications that provide important contributions to understanding Maya archaeology and pre-Columbian cultures. These publications remain significant references for researchers studying the ancient civilizations of the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
