Founded in 1937, this highly recommended natural history museum is named after German doctor Francisco Fonck (1830-1912), a pioneer in the archaeological exploration of Central Chile, who bequeathed his extensive collections of artifacts from Chile, Peru, and Ecuador to the Chilean government. The natural history display at the Museo Fonck spans the entire second floor, but what really warrants a visit here is the museum's 1,400-piece collection of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) indigenous art and archaeological artifacts, including one of the only six Moai sculptures found outside the island (the others are in England, the U.S., Paris, Brussels, and La Serena in Chile). This monumental piece brought from Easter Island in 1950 stands majestically in the garden by the museum's entrance. The display is more complete than the archaeological museum on Easter Island itself. Also on display are art and archaeological remnants of all cultures in Chile, and the size of the museum is just right to not grow tiresome -- you'll need about 45 minutes here. There is also an on-site store selling jewelry, Easter Island art replicas, woolen goods, and more.
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