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All 21 Vina del Mar Attractions »

Fonck Museum

4 Norte 784, Vina del Mar, Chile
56 32 686753
Ranked #6 of 16 attractions in Vina del Mar
4.0 of 5 stars 22 Reviews
Type: Natural History Museums, Museums, History Museums, Architectural Buildings
Owner description: Originally the home of the wealthy Délano family in the early 20th century, this impressive building was acquired by the local Municipal Authorities...... more » Owner description: Originally the home of the wealthy Délano family in the early 20th century, this impressive building was acquired by the local Municipal Authorities in 1985, and converted into a museum. Focus in two principal collections is a natural history department dedicated to Chile's native fauna and flora; and an archaeological department offering a permanent display related to the indigenous peoples of Northern Chile, the Aconcagua region and the Mapuche in the south of the country. The museum also houses one of the most important collections in the world related to Easter Island, including the only genuine Moai statue in the whole of continental Chile, outside in the museum garden. Guided tours are available in both Spanish and English. « less
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22 reviews from our community

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Mexico City, Mexico
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2012

Even it is a small museum, there is plenty to see in it. Outside is a Moai, brought from Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Take a picture of it, because it is the only one outside Easter Island. It was brought from there. At the entrance you can get in touch with the culture of the indigenous of Chile (araucans, etc.),... More

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Valparaiso, Chile
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2012

The most comprehensive museum about mysterious Easter Island. And the entrance is very cheap! It also features one of only 3 statues that can be found outside the island. More

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See 6 more reviews by Frenchilean for Vina del Mar
Ashland, Oregon
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 17, 2012

very small museum with some interesting items. if you are staying long it's something to do. More

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See 3 more reviews by JacquiKay for Vina del Mar
Marbella/Miami
Top Contributor
188 reviews 188 reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
99 helpful votes 99 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2012

in a spectacular ambiente. nature galores . a must go ! a mekka for architects !!! More

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See 12 more reviews by adrianmiami for Vina del Mar
HULL
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 17, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Small but interesting collection, particularly like the exhibits linked to Easter Island More

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Brussels, Belgium
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 13, 2011

It is a great museum for cultural history lovers. It has a "moai" (statue) right outside the museum. I liked the natural history part of the museum and its preservation philosophy. If you want to know everything about Pascua Island and moai's statue THIS IS THE PLACE. More

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See 4 more reviews by juliancho79 for Vina del Mar
Bend, Oregon
Top Contributor
175 reviews 175 reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 4, 2011

This Museum is well worth the visit. Learn about Easter Island history and much more. A good location, nearby the central square. The docent here was very informative and really added her special knowledge for us. More

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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 4, 2011

Very interesting museum, not too big so you can do it in an hour or so- only criticism was that there was a tiny percentage of the information in English & I would have loved to learn more about the people & culture of Rapa Nui. Maybe an audio guide or similar. Still, definitely worth a visit & say hello... More

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See 2 more reviews by SamanthaC6 for Vina del Mar
Calgary
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 22, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

Museo Fonck was one of the many highlights of my trip to Viña. Fabulous natural history display with an impressive insect collection. Make sure you check out the shrunken heads, there is a very interesting explanation of how they were made, not in English but even with my rudimentary Spanish I was able to figure it out. I also found... More

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Huntington Beach, California
Top Contributor
177 reviews 177 reviews
Reviews in 94 cities Reviews in 94 cities
218 helpful votes 218 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed December 28, 2008
2
people found this review helpful

I visited the Fonck Museum (Museo Fonck) which houses the only Moai outside of Easter Island (Rapa Nui or Isla de Pascuas) in October 2008 while on a tour of South America. The Moai stands in front of the museum building. Inside, there are memorabilia worth the time to see if you find yourself in Vina del Mar (an hour... More

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