Museo de Colchagua

Museo de Colchagua is a history museum in Santa Cruz housing about 7,000 artifacts arranged chronologically across eight exhibition halls. The collections range from fossils and early remains to objects from modern Chilean history.

The museum was founded in 1995 through the donation of Carlos Cardoen, a businessman who collected artworks and historical objects from around the world. This collection forms the core of what visitors see today and documents the region's past.

The museum displays pre-Hispanic metalwork and Andean textiles that show how early inhabitants of the region lived and created. These objects reveal the craftsmanship and traditions that shaped the culture of South America.

Plan about 75 minutes to 2 hours to explore the main exhibition halls and take in the different sections at a comfortable pace. Guided tours are available if you want to learn more about specific collections during your visit.

The museum preserves a memorial section dedicated to the rescue of 33 miners from the San José Mine in 2010 with a replica of the Phoenix II rescue capsule. This part tells a remarkable story from recent history that resonates with many Chileans.

Location: Santa Cruz

Operator: Fundación Cardoen

Website: https://museocolchagua.cl

GPS coordinates: -34.64030,-71.36394

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03